Effect of different growth media on foliage production and root growth in Gongronema latifolia Benth stem cuttings

Abstract

This study investigated rate of foliage production and root growth of Gongronema latifolia stem cuttings in Sharp Sand, Topsoil, Sawdust, and a mixture of Sharp Sand/Topsoil/Sawdust, with a view to identifying the best medium for its propagation. Sharp Sand was the only growth medium that produced leaves during the first week. Leaf production in Topsoil and Mixture started in the second week, while cuttings in Sawdust did not produce leaves until the fourth week. The highest number of leaves was produced in Sharp Sand, followed by Topsoil, Mixture, and Sawdust respectively. Mean weekly number of leaves produced varied significantly between Sharp Sand and the other growth media. There was no significant difference in mean weekly number of leaves between Mixture and Topsoil while it varied significantly between each of the two growth media and Sawdust. Mean values for length of both tap-and lateral-roots were highest for Sharp Sand, followed by Topsoil and Mixture respectively, while no root growth was observed in Sawdust. The study showed that sharp sand is the most suitable medium for the propagation of Gongronema latifolia using stem cuttings. However, Topsoil or a mixture of Sharp Sand/Sawdust/Topsoil can be used as alternatives when Sharp Sand is not readily available.