The effect of shoot part treatment on the growth of pulai (Alstonia scholaris) cuttings with the water rooting technique

Abstract The success of developing plantation forests relies on obtaining high-quality seeds, achievable through generative and vegetative propagation. However, some plants face constraints with generative methods, prompting the exploration of vegetative propagation alternatives. Pulai seeds (Alstonia scholaris) were used for vegetative seed propagation through the use of cuttings in this study. Genetic and environmental factors were identified as significant determinants affecting cutting propagation success. The research aimed to assess how different shoot parts impact Pulai plant cutting growth using the Water Rooting Technique (TWR), known for its simplicity and minimal requirements. Employing a randomized block design with three treatments (shoot tips, mid-shoots, and shoot bases) replicated three times, each treatment combination included 50 cuttings. Observations focused on parameters such as percent growth, shoot growth time, shoot height, root length, total dry weight, shoot dry weight, root dry weight, and shoot-to-root ratio. Statistical analysis using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) indicated significant differences, confirmed by the HSD follow-up test. The mid-shoot treatment proved to be the most effective method in influencing all observed parameters, highlighting its importance in fostering Pulai cutting growth.