Vegetos
(An International Journal of Plant Research & Biotechnology)
Vegetative propagation potential of Combretum collinum, Combretum molle and Piliostigma thonningii in Uganda
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Kabonesa Bernadette, Byakagaba Patrick, Mwavu Edward Nector, Tumwebaze Susan Balaba, Buyinza Joel
Research Articles | Published: 22 December, 2025
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Keywords: Rooting hormone, Rooting media, Propagation
Abstract
Combretum collinum, Combretum molle and Piliostigma thonningii are common indigenous tree species in the semi-arid lands of Uganda. The species are massively harvested from the wild for firewood and charcoal production with limited consideration for replanting to restore degraded landscapes. This is partly because of lack of reliable planting material and insufficient seed supply of indigenous tree species. The aim of the current study was to examine the propagation potential of savanna woodland tree species in Uganda. Specifically, the study assessed the rooting of stem cuttings of three commonly used charcoal species i.e., Combretum collinum, Combretum molle and Piliostigma thonningii under different rooting media and hormone. Three types of media (pine-bark, soil-sand and sand) and Indole-butyric acid (IBA) hormone were used. After 60 days of planting, data on rooting, number of roots, root length and root collar diameter (RCD) were collected and analyzed using ANOVA. The highest rooting of C. molle and P. thonningii was observed in cuttings not treated with IBA hormone and propagated soil-sand medium. Highest rooting of C. collinum was observed in cuttings not treated with IBA hormone propagated in sand medium. The highest number of roots in C. collinum was observed in cuttings treated with 1% IBA hormone propagated in soil-sand medium. While highest number of roots in C. molle and P. thonningii was recorded in cuttings treated with 0.8% IBA hormone and propagated in pine-bark medium. The highest root length of C. collinum and P. thonningii was observed in cuttings that were not treated with IBA hormone and propagated in soil-sand medium. C. molle registered the highest root length when cutting were treated with 1% IBA concentration and propagated in sand medium. Root collar diameter of C. collinum and C. molle was highest in 1% IBA hormone when propagated in sand medium. Root collar diameter in P. thonningii was highest in cuttings not treated with IBA hormone and propagated in soil sand medium. IBA hormone increases number of roots in all the three species in the three different growth media. IBA hormone only increases root length in C. molle. IBA hormone increases root collar diameter of C. collinum and C. molle but not P. thonningii. The effect of IBA hormone and growth medium on rooting performance varies in each of the studied species.
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Author Information
Forest Conservation and Management Research Program, National Forestry Resources Research Institute (NaFORRI),, National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO), Entebbe, Uganda