Rooting and shoot growth of soft-wood cutting of rubber fig (Ficus elastica Roxb. ex Hornem) in response to indole butyric acid and paclobutrazol

In this present study the effects of different concentrations and combinations of indole butyric acid (IBA: 0, 2000 and 4000 mg L-1) and paclobutrazol (PBZ: 0, 250 and 500 mg L-1) alone and in combination on rooting and shoot growth of F. elastic soft wood cuttings were investigated. The results showed that the application of IBA alone in both concentrations 2000 and 4000 mg L-1 increased rooting percentage, but the use of PBZ alone there was no significant difference in it compared to control treatment. The highest number, length, volume, fresh and dry weights of root and shoot as well as main stem length were obtained in treatment of 2000 mg L-1 IBA. The highest number of lateral shoots, principal stem diameter and leaf chlorophyll content were observed in treatment with 500 mg L-1 PBZ. In general, the effect of 2000 mg L-1 IBA on rooting indices and the treatment of 4000 mg L-1 IBA + 500 mg L-1 PBZ on shoot growth was more effective.