Effects of type of cutting and growth medium on vegetative propagation of Scorpion orchid (<i>Arachnis maingayi</i>) Hook.f. <i>Schltr</i>

Abstract

Scorpion orchid (Arachnis maingayi) is a monopodial perennial plant prized for its beautiful long lasting flowers. Experiment was conducted at the Horticultural Nursery, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria to examine the influence of type of cutting and growth medium on rooting ability of Scorpion orchid. The experiment was laid out in 2 x 10 factorial fitted into a Randomised Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replicates. The factors were sources of cutting (Apical and Non-apical) and growing media (sawdust, topsoil, charcoal, coconut husk, sawdust/topsoil, sawdust/charcoal, sawdust/coconut husk, topsoil/charcoal, topsoil/coconut husk, charcoal/coconut husk in ratio 1:1 byv/v). Data collected on percentage of rooted cuttings, number of roots and aerial roots, length of longest root, root fresh and dry weights were subjected to statistical analysis. Apical cuttings were superior to non-apical in terms of root growth and development. The percentage of cuttings rooted was significantly (p < 0.05) greater in mixture of charcoal + sawdust or topsoil + charcoal (90%), than other media. The interactive effect of source of cutting and growing medium on rooting capacity was significant (p < 0.05). The capacity of cuttings of Arachnis maingayi to regenerate is greater when apical cutting grown in charcoal + sawdust or topsoil + charcoal.