Media choice, tray manufacturing and proper fill
Rooting Hormone A great way to improve the uniformity and speed of root initiation in vegetative propagation is to use a rooting hormone (see chart on page 9). Not all crops need hormone for fast rooting, but many will benefit from an application, and the harder-to-root items and those crops that take longer to root are the best candidates for using hormones. IBA is the most common and widely used rooting hormone for vegetative propagation, and we’re sure many of you are familiar with some of these products. IBA can come in a powder form, in a soluble salt form and in a liquid form. IBA powder is available in several concentrations, usually between 0.1% to 0.3%, and is applied to the base of the stem prior to sticking.
The most popular soluble salt form is KIBA, which can be applied to the base of the stem or as an overhead application as a coarse spray. When applied to the base of the stem, KIBA can be used in concentrations from 150 to 500 ppm. As an overhead application, KIBA rates are normally in the 50 to 250 ppm range. This method of applying your rooting hormone can be more cost effective and sanitary when compared to treating the base of the stem. Remember that the overhead applications need to be coarse enough to get the solution down the stem toward the base of the cutting. One warning regarding the overhead application: it will cause a leaf and/or stem curl in some crops, but they’ll normally grow out of this distortion within a few weeks. Because of this potential reaction, it’s always
good to trial the overhead applications first before using as a broad treatment. Liquid rooting hormone is also available, and Dip 'n Grow is a widely used product that falls into this category. Same as the KIBA water-soluble salts, this product will be applied to the base of the stem prior to sticking the cuttings. As a best practice on sanitation, it’s best to apply this with a hand sprayer and avoid getting the solution on the leaves. Rooting hormones are a great tool that every propagator should utilize to ensure a good start on harder-to-root crops. Be sure to visit BallFloraPlant.com to reference more detailed information on culture and on which crops benefit from rooting hormones.
Powder Applications • Powdered hormone such as Rhizopon AA Dry Powder can be applied to the basal end of the cutting. • Use a duster to apply to the stem only. • Avoid getting powdered hormone on the leaves. • Do not dip the stem into a container of hormone...this is a sanitation risk. • Do not coat the stem with a solid layer of powder. Rooting Hormones Basal End Applications
Liquid Applications • IBA can be applied as a liquid basal application with typical rates of 500 to 1,000 ppm. • Dip ’n Grow and Rhizopon AA are two commonly used hormones for this type of application. • Apply to the basal end with a hand-held spray bottle. • Do not allow solution to get on the stems or leaves of the cutting. • Do not dip stems directly into the solution...this is a sanitation risk.
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