Factors affecting on rooting of figs (Ficus carica L.) cuttings

There is small rooting percentage for the production of cuttings under normal field conditions. Cutting is, undoubtedly, the main method used for the fig tree propagation. The cutting's rooting is regulated by a number of factors, whose lack can limit the process. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of different periods of stratification, concentrations of indolebutiric acid (IBA) and substrate on the rooting of figs (Ficus carica L.) hardwood cuttings. The work was carried out in the orchard of the University Federal of Lavras (UFLA), a government funded University, located in the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil, using the completely randomized block experimental design, in a factorial scheme of 4 x 3 x 3 (period of stratification - 0, 15, 30 and 45 days; IBA concentrations - 0, 100 and 200 mg.L"; and rooting substrate - sand, soil and sand/soil 1:1). Two-year-old branches were taken from fig plants cv. 'Roxo de Valinhos', during the winter cutting period. The branches were cut in 25 cm long pieces. The evaluations initiated 60 days after planting the cuttings and the following parameters were evaluated: rooting percentage; root dry matter; shoot number; shoot dry matter; and shooting percentage. Period of stratification negatively affected all parameters studied; the best concentration of IBA was 100 mg.L"; the non-stratification and sand/soil substrate showed the best results for the evaluated characteristics, the soil substrate decreased the development of shooting and rooting of the cuttings.