USE OF A POLYMERIC SUPER-ABSORBENT IN AIR LAYERING OF ROSES (ROSA HYBRIDA)

Abstract

Cut rose exportation is a booming international business that is yet to receive popularity in Ghana. Roses will grow locally but difficulties in rooting severely limit commercial propagation of some varieties. Use of the synthetic polymeric super-absorbent Broadleaf P4 (polymer) alone or in mixture with the control. UST air layering mix (UST mix) in this study did not affect the number of roots formed 28 days after air layering. The polymer was degraded into a slurry four days after layering, but it probably sustained a high humidity in the girdled area that resulted in callus and root formation. Callus was less dense when the polymer was used alone. Establishment of callused or rooted ‘cutting’ were similar for polymer, UST mix and polymer-UST mix media. Use of the polymer is recommended when sawdust and river sand are not readily available or when completely sterile conditions are desired. Semi-hard wood and hardwood could be induced to root; propagules from roses are thus best obtained using branches containing both types of wood.