USE OF NATURAL AND SYNTHETIC ROOTING HORMONES IN THE PROPAGATION OF GRAPEVINES

Abstract

This article aimed to evaluate the efficiency of different rooting hormones in the vegetative propagation of H. sabdariffa L., with an emphasis on survival and sprouting rates, root development, and biomass of the cuttings. This study aims to provide technical information that can be applied in the commercial production of H. sabdariffa seedlings, benefiting small farmers and encouraging the use of sustainable techniques in agriculture. The sorrel plant (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) is a plant with medicinal, nutritional, and agroecological value. This study evaluated the efficiency of rooting agents in the vegetative propagation of the species, analyzing survival, sprouting, root development, and biomass. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with four treatments: T1 – Water (control), T2 – 30% nutgrass extract, T3 – 50% aloe vera, and T4 – commercial rooting hormone, with ten repetitions (n=40). Root length (RL), fresh and dry root mass (FDM, DRM), and aerial part mass (APM, ADM) were evaluated. The data were analyzed with p<0.05. The Chi-square test (X²) did not show a significant difference for sprouting, survival, and some biomass variables. However, there was a significant difference in fresh root mass and dry root mass, with emphasis on the commercial rooting hormone.