Albo Lacinatus

For the initial rooting experiments involving the use of polymers derived from indole-3-butyric acid, cuttings from hibiscus plants were used. Specifically, a variety called Albo Lacinatus (Anderson s Crepe Pink) was used. The genus and species names are Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L. Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, or the Rose of China, has been known as the Queen Flower of the Tropics for the past 300 years (34). 

Since most tropical soils are deficient in plant nutrients because of high temperatures, high rainfall and leaching, many of the most desirable new varieties are grafted onto older, more established varieties (35). This type of symbiotic relationship is not unique to hibiscus and is practiced with a wide variety of fruit trees and flowers including rose bushes, citrus trees, apple trees and grape vines. Rootstocks are used which are more resistent to soil nematodes and other diseases (36). For our research Albo Lacinatus (Anderson s Crepe Pink) was employed. Anderson s Crepe Pink is widely used as a root stock in Florida and... 

Figure 1. Picture of Albo Lacinatus bloom and leaves.

Rooting experiments were carried out employing sterilized coarse Terra-Lite" perlite and Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, variety Albo Lacinatus (Anderson s Crepe Pink) wooden canes about 10 to 12 inches long and 0.25 to 0.75 inches in diameter. Fifty canes were employed for each test group. The stocks were dipped (0.037g average of talc mix or about 7 x 10 g of test additive for 0.2% samples) and then inserted into the perlite. The samples were watered with a fine mist spray several times a day as needed and exposed to partial to full sun. 

Figure 2. Albo Lacinatus canes in rooting setting. 

There is a direct relationship between the appearance and extent of leafing and root formation for the utilized rooting stock Albo Lacinatus (Figure 1). 

In summary, it appears that the incorporation of IBA into a polymer has a positive effect on the rooting of Albo Lacinatus. Activity of the polymeric materials is probably through a controlled release mechanism. 

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