Comparative Study Of Different Propagation Media Combined With Charcoal on The Growth Perfomance of Hibiscus (Hibiscus Rosa-Sinensis) Cuttings

Abstract

The pot experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of various growing media on the rooting and growth of hibiscus cuttings. The experiment was arranged under a completely randomized design (CRD) with five treatments and five replicates. The treatments potting materials used to prepare combined at the ratio volume basis in the treatment of 3.3:4 (T: to Ts). They are: Tr - Topsoil (control), T: - Topsoil + Charcoal + Compost, T: - Topsoil + Charcoal + Paddy husk, T+ - Topsoil + Charcoal + Cow Dung, and Ts - Topsoil + Charcoal * Cocopeat. The agronomic practices for cutting establishrrent were followed. Hibiscus variety of Hibisctts ro.sa-.sinensir semi-hard w-ood cutting (10-15crn) were used. Growth parameters such as shoot length, root length, number of leaves, leaf area, wet weight, and dry weight were recorded at weekly inten'als from the 3rd to 8th week after planting. Statistical analysis revealed sigriificant differences (p < 0.05) anlong treaonents for all measrred pararneters. The results indicated that Ts (Topsoil + Charcoal+ Cocopeat) and T+ (Topsoil * Charcoal + Cow dung) produced the highest rreall values in shoot and root development, leaf number, and leaf area. These media combinations provided improved aeration. moisture retention, and nutrient availability. resulting in vi-eorous -erowth and hi-eher survival rates of hibiscus cuttings. In contrast, the control ffeatment (Tr) recorded the lowest performance in all parameters, likely due to limited nutrient and poor soil structure. Overall" the findings demonstrate that the inclusion of charcoal with organic components significantly enhances the propagafion success of hibiscus cuttings. The combination of Ts (Topsoil * Cocopeat + Charcoal) was found to be the most effective medium for rooting and growth performance arnong the tested medium. Therefore, it can be recommended as a low-cost and sustainable propagation medium for nursery-level hibiscus production.