Effects of Phytohormones and Alternative Sources on the Propagation of Ternstroemia cameroonensis Cheek. by Marcotting in the Lebialem Highlands, Cameroon

Abstract

Marcotting is a method of vegetative propagation which still finds its relevance in the present day forest management and routine practice to produce viable seedlings for the regeneration of Ternstroemia cameroonensis. There is dearth of information regarding the propagation of T. cameroonensis by marcotting. Hence effects of phytohormone application (Indole-3-acetc acid, Indole-3-butyric acid) and alternative sources (coconut water) on the propagation of T. cameroonensis by marcotting were investigated in the Lebialem Highlands. Mortality rates, number of roots, root length as well as marcotts position in the crown was evaluated. The propagation trials were carried under natural environmental conditions. Marcotts had an overall survival percentage of 35.41%. Those established at the middle of the crown had the highest survival percentage (15.27%) followed by those at the lower (11.80 %). Also marcotts established on branches with larger diameter (4-6 cm) and shorter length (50 cm) had the highest survival percentage (20.13 and 19.44 respectively). Again marcotts treated with IBA and CW had the best performance compared to other pre-treatments. According to the result, T. cameroonensis can be amenable through marcotts.