Greenhouse Plant Production Journal
Quarterly

Novel Approaches for Improving Root Development in Bougainvillea Spectabilis Alexandra Stem Cuttings Using Hormonal and Physical Stimuli

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Mahdi AsgariI Gouraj

PhD Student, Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, Islamic Azad University, Rasht, Iran

https://doi.org/10.61882/gppj.2.3.1
Abstract
This study aimed to enhance the propagation efficiency of Bougainvillea spectabilis Alexandra by evaluating the synergistic effects of auxins (NAA and IBA), bottom heat, and blue light durations on rooting performance of stem cuttings under controlled conditions. A full factorial experiment in a completely randomized design with three replications was conducted. Factors included auxin types (NAA, IBA) at 0, 5, and 10 mg/L, bottom heat (±), and blue light durations (0, 2, 4 h/day). Parameters assessed were callus formation, shoot survival, root fresh/dry weight, rooting percentage, and rooting time. The combination of IBA at 10 mg/L with bottom heat and 2 h/day blue light significantly improved rooting percentage (88.7%), root fresh weight (396 mg/cutting), root dry weight (75.3 mg/cutting), and shoot survival rate (95%), while reducing rooting time to 50 days. Correlation analysis showed strong positive relationships between rooting percentage, root biomass, and shoot survival, and negative correlations with rooting time. The study was limited to one specific cultivar (‘Alexandra’) and controlled greenhouse conditions; further validation under commercial production settings is needed. This research provides a cost-effective and sustainable protocol for improving the propagation of woody ornamentals by integrating low-dose IBA with environmentally friendly physical stimuli (bottom heat and blue light), enhancing commercial production efficiency.

Keywords

Bougainvillea spectabilis
Blue light
Bottom heat
IBA
NAA
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Greenhouse Plant Production Journal
Volume 2, Issue 3
Summer 2025
Pages 1-11

  • Receive Date 27 July 2025
  • Revise Date 11 August 2025
  • Accept Date 25 August 2025
  • First Publish Date 01 September 2025
  • Publish Date 01 September 2025

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