Effects of Trichoderma Doses and Coconut Water as Natural Plant Growth Regulator on the Vegetative Growth of Lime Cuttings

Andi Muh Alfian Damasyhar, Netty Netty, Hidrawati Amdo Ala

Abstract


Vegetative propagation through cuttings is relatively simple; however, lime cuttings (Citrus aurantiifolia) often lack roots capable of supporting upright growth. Natural plant growth regulators such as coconut water (auxins/cytokinins) stimulate rooting, while Trichoderma sp. enhances root development, nutrient absorption, and resistance to pathogens. This study evaluates the effect of Trichoderma dosage and coconut water concentration on the growth of lime cuttings. The experiment used a 3 × 4 factorial randomized block design: Trichoderma (0, 25, 50 g plant⁻¹) and coconut water (100%, 15%, 25%, 35% v/v) in a Green House (April–July 2025). Trichoderma and coconut water significantly affected the time to bud emergence and number of leaves, but their interaction was not significant for these traits; neither had an effect on the number of shoots. The fastest bud emergence occurred with 50 g plant⁻¹ Trichoderma (7.9 days) and 100% coconut water (7.89 days), while 15% coconut water delayed it (10.67 days). Trichoderma 50 g plant⁻¹ increased shoot length (10.9 cm) and leaf number (9.1) compared to the control (9.0 cm; 6.9 leaves). Coconut water 100% maximized shoot length (11.0 cm) and leaves (9.3) compared to 15% (9.0 cm; 6.7 leaves). Success reached 100% with combinations of Trichoderma 25 or 50 g and 100% coconut water. Application of Trichoderma 50 g plant⁻¹ and undiluted coconut water effectively accelerated early shoot growth and improved the performance of lime cuttings.

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References


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DOI: https://doi.org/10.33096/agrogenesis.v2i1.1053

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