Effect of some treatments on rooting of cucumber cuttings (Cucumis sativus L.)

Abstract

ABSTRACT : A study was conducted at glasshouse, at Agriculture Faculty, Babylon university, Iraq, during 2013 growing season. The auxiliary shoots (12-15 cm long) were taken from cucumber plants (cv. DRB ). Six treatments ( 2 , 4 ml/L humic acid or biozyme , 1000 ppm NAA and in water as control ) were used. The cuttings were based dipped for 2 minutes according to the treatments , and then planted (as individual) in pots filled with sandy soil + peat (1:1). All the treatments were triplicate by using complete randomized design. Each experimental unit contained 10 cuttings . The data were recorded on survival percentage, root number per cutting , longer root length (cm), root volume (cm3), root fresh weight (g), root dry weight (mg). The results showed that the highest root number per cutting (24) , longer root length (23.3 cm), root volume (3.0 cm3), root fresh weight (3.1g) and root dry weight (332.3 mg) were obtained from NAA treatment . Humic acid and biozyme at 4 ml/L were superior significantly in roots number per cutting as compared to control . All treatments showed a significant increases root fresh and dry weight as compared to control. Shoot survival percentage was not affected by treatments. It proved that cucumber auxiliary/lateral shoots can be grown successfully. It is a quick and easy way to grow the second crop of the same variety without seed cost.