Influence of Different Indole-3-Butyric Acid (IBA) Doses, Aloe vera Gel, and Rooting Media on Rooting Performance and...

This study evaluated the effects of different indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) doses, Aloe vera gel, and rooting media on the rooting performance and subsequent growth of vegetative tea (Camellia sinensis) cuttings. Cuttings collected during the second flush period were subjected to seven IBA concentrations (2000-8000 ppm), Aloe vera gel, or no pre-treatment and rooted in perlite or clay soil under greenhouse conditions using a randomized complete block design with three replications. Rooting and growth parameters were monitored for 120 days, followed by a 15-week growth assessment after transplanting. The rooting medium significantly influenced root length and cutting length, with clay soil promoting greater root elongation and perlite enhancing shoot growth. Among IBA treatments applied in perlite, intermediate concentrations (4000-6000 ppm) resulted in comparatively favorable rooting performance and growth compared to lower or higher doses. The highest rooting and survival rates were obtained with 5000 ppm IBA combined with perlite, while the greatest root number was observed at 6000 ppm IBA. Aloe vera gel was associated with greater root length particularly in soil-based media, suggesting its potential as a natural rooting stimulant under the tested soil-based conditions. Overall, the results indicate that rooting success and early growth of tea cuttings were influenced by both the auxin concentration and rooting medium under the tested greenhouse conditions. Under the conditions of the present study, the use of intermediate IBA doses in perlite appears to be an effective propagation approach, while Aloe vera gel may represent a promising alternative for soil-based rooting systems. These findings contribute to the optimization of vegetative propagation protocols for tea and support the production of high-quality, cost-effective planting material.