Development of ornamental seedlings and cuttings for hydroponics using different substrate

Abstract

This research paper focuses on investigating the effect of using various substrate materials on the development of seedlings for ornamental plants.  Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon), Petunia (Compacta Enana Rosa) and Epipremnum aureum, Bermuda; Petunia and Epipremnum aureum were cultivated in different substrates.  Synthetic sponge (Polyurethane sponge), Rockwool and sterilized cotton were used as the substrate materials in each case where an experimental water-circulating apparatus was designed and installed to execute the test. Results showed that after 15 days, Bermuda grass in Rockwool reached a germination rate of 70% while it did not exceed 50% in sponge or in medically treated cotton.  The highest germination rate after 20 days for Petunia was observed to be 30% when treated cotton was used, while it was 22% and 7% when Rockwool and sponge were utilized, respectively.  Statistical analysis showed that germination of Petunia in the three substrates was significantly different.  Propagation of the cuttings of Epipremnum aureum developed the highest number of shoots when treated cotton was used where it gave 10 shoots after 10 days while it just gave seven shoots when Rockwool and sponge were used as the propagation substrate.