Root organogenesis induction in Epipremnum aureum stem cuttings with plant biostimulants and synthetic rooting hormone

Abstract

Plant organogenesis induction is a vital method to regenerate explants and produce complete organisms. In this study, we analyzed the applicability of three different root biostimulants and a commercially available synthetic rooting hormone (RH) for root organogenesis induction in Epipremnum aureum stem cuttings. The biostimulants used were Aloe vera gel (AV1), and garlic (GR2) and turmeric extracts (TM3), and the synthetic RH (TakeRoot(R)) used contained an active ingredient, indole butyric acid (0.01%). The E. aureum stem cuttings were placed in hydroponic pots and root development rates were monitored for up to 30 days. Recorded data from five parameters were analyzed: (1) number of rooted cuttings, (2) number of roots per stem cutting, (3) length of the longest and (4) shortest roots of the cuttings, and (5) rooting time. Stem cuttings were quantified using ImageJ software. The results showed that compared to the application of TakeRoot(R), treatment with the biostimulant AV1 produced the longest roots, whereas stem cuttings treated with GR2 and TM3 did not produce significant results. Moreover, AV1 induced root organogenesis 16.67% faster than did TakeRoot(R) but no significant difference (p<0.05) was observed in the case of number of roots promoted per cutting. This study provides scientific evidence for the application of naturally derived RHs in the propagation of stem cuttings. Furthermore, Aloe vera gel, known for plant growth benefits, is the best choice for plant root propagation.