Propagation of Ficus benjamina var. Starlight by Stenting Technique under Different Concentrations of IBA in Various Times of Taking Cutting

Ficus benjamina L. is indoor plant in temperate areas that is a tree species belongs to Moraceae family. Propagation of this plant is down by vegetative method. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of IBA concentration and time of taking cutting on propagation of Ficus benjamina via stenting technique in Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, in 2012. Treatments were consisted of auxin concentrations in four levels (0, 2000, 4000 and 6000 mg/l) and the cutting time (late June and early September). The experiment was performed as factorial in a completely randomized design with four replications so that ten samples were used at each replication. Percentage of graft success, rooting percentage, root number, longest root length and root dry weight were evaluated. Based on the results, largest percentage of graft success obtained in all the treatments that the hormone was used (2000, 4000, 6000 mg/l) and lowest was achieved in the control treatment. Highest rooting percentage and maximum of root number were gained in 4000 mg/l and 6000 mg/l. Longest root length and maximum of root dry weight were recorded in cuttings treated with 4000 mg/l IBA. In treatment of cutting time, all traits were the highest in early September. The results showed that IBA and time taking cutting had a large impact on the success of graft and rooting.