Influence of selected fungicides and hormone on the rooting success of Shea (Vitellaria paradoxa gaernt) stem cuttings

Abstract

The sheanut tree (Vitellaria paradoxa Gaertn) is indigenous to the Guinea Savanna belt of West Africa extending from Senegal in the West to Sudan in the East. The tree's response to vegetative propagation methods is very poor and inconsistent. Impact of different fungicides (Ridomil 72 plus, Dithane M45, Nordox 75 and Kocide 101), their different concentrations and frequencies of application and the application of a hormonal rooting powder (Seradix 3) were studied at Bole, Ghana from June to August, 2005. Significant rooting was observed when Dithane M45 was applied at 2000ppm three times (once every two weeks) during the rooting period and gave the highest rooting performance when combined with Seradix 3 hormone. High concentrations of Dithane M45 did not significantly affect the degree of infection on cuttings. However, cuttings which were not sprayed with any fungicide recorded significantly (P< 0.05) high fungal infection. Ridomil 72 Plus, Kocide 101and Nordox 75 lower rooting performance in shea cuttings.