Vegetative propagation of kola (<i>Cola nitida</i> Vent. Schott and Endl.) by stem cuttings

Abstract

The effects of some technical, environmental and physiological factors on the rooting of kola stem cuttings were investigated at the Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana from 1997 to 2002. These factors included hormonal, fungicidal and wounding treatments, rooting media, leaf area, and effects of type of wood. Within the range of concentration tested, indole-butyric acid (IBA) rooting hormone did not have any significant effect on rooting success. All the candidate fungicides tested were effective in reducing rotting of cuttings. However, the copper-based fungicides caused a slight reduction in rooting. No significant differences were recorded for effect of rooting media. Wounding treatment improved rooting in hardwood cuttings. Rooting was significantly better (P ≤ 0.05) in semi-hard- wood cuttings than in hardwood cuttings. Clipping of leaves to half the normal size had virtually the same results as leaving all leaves intact. Further areas to improve success in propagating kola by stem cuttings are discussed.

Ghana Journal of Agricultural Science Vol. 38, 2005: 43-53