Greener
Journal of  Agricultural Sciences

Vol. 3 (3), pp.
215-221, March 2013.

 ISSN: 2276-7770 

Research
Paper

 Manuscript
Number:012513411

 

Effect of different growth media on foliage production
and root growth in Gongronema latifolia Benth
stem cuttings

 

Ofodile, E.A.U., Chima U.D.* and Udo E.F.

 

Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management, Faculty
of Agriculture, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

 

*Corresponding Author’s Email:
punditzum @ yahoo.ca,
Tel: +234-803-812-1887

Abstract:

This study investigated rate of foliage production and root
growth of Gongronema latifolia stem cuttings in Sharp Sand,
Topsoil, Sawdust, and a mixture of Sharp
Sand/Topsoil/Sawdust, with a view to identifying the best
medium for its propagation. Sharp Sand was the only growth
medium that produced leaves during the first week. Leaf
production in Topsoil and Mixture started in the second
week, while cuttings in Sawdust did not produce leaves until
the fourth week. The highest number of leaves was produced
in Sharp Sand, followed by Topsoil, Mixture, and Sawdust
respectively. Mean weekly number of leaves produced varied
significantly between Sharp Sand and the other growth media.
There was no significant difference in mean weekly number of
leaves between Mixture and Topsoil while it varied
significantly between each of the two growth media and
Sawdust. Mean values for length of both tap- and lateral-
roots were highest for Sharp Sand, followed by Topsoil and
Mixture respectively, while no root growth was observed in
Sawdust. The study showed that sharp sand is the most
suitable medium for the propagation of Gongronema latifolia
using stem cuttings. However, Topsoil or a mixture of Sharp
Sand/Sawdust/Topsoil can be used as alternatives when Sharp
Sand is not readily available.
 
Keywords: Gongronema latifolia, propagation, stem
cutting, foliage production, rooting

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