Initiation and growth of shoots of Gongronema latifolia Benth stem cuttings in different rooting media

Abstract

Vegetative propagation of Gongronema latifolia Benth commonly used as a forest leafy vegetable and spice, was studied in three rooting media (sawdust, ricehull and soil) under two seasons in Nsukka. The study showed that G. latifolia could be effectively propagated by stem cuttings. There was significant reduction in number of days to shoot initiation and growth in sawdust medium in the wet season. Sawdust and soil gave a better performance of the cuttings in opening of apical buds, initiation of shoots, percentage of rooted cuttings, number of vines, vine length and number of opposite leaves on vines in both seasons. Even though, both media performed similarly in most of the attributes, sawdust medium will be preferred to soil because it is readily available and affordable. Effective and high percentage rooting of G. latifolia stem cuttings, which will provide excellent conservation of a selected clone derived from virgin forest and hybridization, could be achieved in sawdust medium during the dry season.

Keywords: Gongronema latifolia, rooting media, propagation, stem cuttings