Journal of Crop Production and Processing

To evaluate the effect of different concentrations of IBA, timing of cuttings and type of plant rootstock in cutting-graft propagation (Omega graft) of Ficus benjamin cv. variegate, an experiment was performed as a factorial in a completely randomized design with three replications in Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources in 2012. Each replication consisted of ten samples. Treatments were consisted of IBA concentration in four levels, 0 (control), 2000, 4000 and 6000 mg/l, two types of rootstock (Ficus benjamina cv. exotica and Ficus amstel) and two timing of cuttings (late June and early September). Percentage of graft success, rooting percentage, average root length, root number, root dry weight and survival percentage were evaluated. The results of this experiment showed that the highest percentage of rooting and number of roots obtained in hormone concentrations of 4000 and 6000 mg/l. The maximum of mean root length and root dry weight were obtained at hormone concentration of 4000 mg/l. The greatest percentages of graft success and survival were obtained in all the treatments that the auxin was applied. Most suitable of rootstock in terms of all traits studied, was Ficus benjamina cv.exotica. Best time of rooting, root characteristics and survival percentage were achieved with the cuttings in September. The highest percentage of graft success was achieved in July. The results indicate the beneficial effects of suitable concentration of auxin, timing of cuttings and type of plant rootstock in propagation of Ficus benjamina cv. variegata by bench grafting.