Abstract

The influence of the terminal bud treatment and genotype on the cutting of plagiotropic semi-lignified kola tree cuttings was studied with the aim of vegetative propagation. Two dressing modes cuttings (B1: Presence of terminal bud and B2: Absence of terminal bud) were tested on three genotypes (D9L20A3, 315 and 323) in a split-plot design with the genotype in the large plot and the cutting dressing mode in the small plot. The experimental unit consists of twenty cuttings. Six months after transplanting, no significant difference of cutting dressing mode on the survival rate was noted. The survival rate was 76.1±11.7% with terminal bud and 70±12.17% without terminal bud for an overall mean of 73.06±12.1%. However, it appears that the way in which kola plant cuttings are dressed, including the removal of the apical bud from semi-lignified plagiotropic cutting, boosts root development and growth despite the predisposition of some kola plant genotypes to rooting (genotype 315). The cuttings dressing method including terminal bud suppression favours root formation at the cuttings, taproot length growth, fresh and dry root biomass compared to cuttings with a terminal bud.

Key words: Cola nitida, cuttings, genotype, terminal bud.