Vegetative propagation by cuttings of Monttea chilensis Gay

Abstract

Monttea chilensis (Plantaginaceae) is an endemic shrub to the arid and semi-arid areas of Chile, classified as an Endangered Species. In order to contribute to the ex situ conservation of the species by cuttings propagation, two experiments were conducted. The cuttings used were binodal, and the hormone indol butyric acid (IBA) was applied in the concentration of 1,500, 3,000, 5,000 and 7,500 ppm and a control without hormone. Sixty cuttings per treatment were used rooted under propagation bed conditions with basal heat (22 ºC) and 80% humidity regulated with nebulizers under plastic tunnel. The hormone did not increase rooting, resulting in a similar result (40% of rooting) the control cuttings and those with 1,500 ppm of IBA. Higher and lower IBA concentrations had an adverse effect on rooting.