Composition of planting media

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 124 views

The Influence of Planting Media Composition and Indole Butiric Acid (IBA) Concentration on the Growth of Crown Cuttings of Pineapple Plants

Introduction

Pineapple plants (Ananas comosus L. Merr) are one of the most widely cultivated fruits in the world, with a significant economic impact on many countries. However, the growth and productivity of pineapple plants can be influenced by various factors, including the composition of planting media and the concentration of Indole Butiric Acid (IBA). This study aims to explore the influence of various compositions of planting media and the concentration of IBA on the growth of crown cuttings of pineapple plants.

Background

Pineapple plants are typically propagated through crown cuttings, which are taken from mature plants and rooted in a suitable medium. The composition of the planting media and the concentration of IBA can significantly affect the growth and development of the cuttings. IBA is a plant growth regulator that can stimulate root growth and increase the chances of successful propagation. However, the optimal concentration of IBA and the composition of the planting media are not well understood, and more research is needed to determine the best practices for pineapple plant propagation.

Research Methodology

This study was conducted at the Kasa House of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of North Sumatra (USU) from August to October 2016. The study involved a factorial separate plot (RPT) design with three replications. The two main factors tested were:

Composition of planting media: Three different compositions of planting media were tested:
- Mixture of compost and sand with a ratio of 2: 1.
- Compost mixture and husk charcoal with a ratio of 2: 1.
- Mixture of compost, sand, and husk charcoal with a ratio of 2: 1: 1.
Concentration of IBA: Four different concentrations of IBA were tested:
- 0 ppm (control treatment)
- 100 ppm
- 200 ppm
- 300 ppm

The observed parameters included the time of shoots, the percentage of sprouts, buds, the length of the shoots, the number of roots, the length of the root, the root volume, the dry weight of the shoots, and the dry weight of the root.

Research Results

The results of this study indicate that:

Effect of planting media composition: The composition of the planting media has a significant effect on the length of the root. Planting media consisting of compost and husk charcoal with a ratio of 2: 1 produces the best root length.
Effect of IBA concentration: Giving IBA with various concentrations shows a significant effect on the time of shoots, bud length, and dry weight of the shoots. The best IBA concentration is found at 0 ppm.
Interaction of planting media and IBA: Interaction between the composition of the planting media and the concentration of IBA also affects the dry weight of the shoots significantly. The best combination is obtained from compost planting media and husk charcoal 2: 1 without IBA.

Additional Analysis and Explanation

The results of this study suggest that the proper planting media and IBA regulation greatly affect plant growth. The use of husk charcoal in planting media not only helps maintain humidity but also increases aeration, which is very important for root growth. This can be seen from the length of a better root in the treatment of planting media with compost and husk charcoal.

Meanwhile, the best results at 0 ppm of IBA show that in some cases, plants can grow optimally without the additional treatment of hormones. This gives an indication that pineapple plants may have a better tolerance for natural growth conditions, without the need for stimulation of growth regulators.

Through this study, researchers suggest that farmers and pineapple cultivators consider the appropriate planting media composition and use IBA wisely, to achieve optimal growth results. Skills in managing planting media and the use of growing hormones can help increase plant productivity as a whole.

Conclusion

This study provides useful insights about nursery techniques that are more efficient and environmentally friendly, which can be applied in agricultural practices to improve pineapple crop yields. The results of this study suggest that the composition of planting media and the concentration of IBA are critical factors that affect the growth of crown cuttings of pineapple plants. By understanding the optimal composition of planting media and the concentration of IBA, farmers and pineapple cultivators can improve the productivity and quality of their crops.

Recommendations

Based on the results of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Use compost and husk charcoal with a ratio of 2: 1 as the planting media for pineapple plant propagation.
Avoid using IBA in pineapple plant propagation, as the best results are obtained without IBA treatment.
Consider the interaction between the composition of planting media and the concentration of IBA when designing nursery techniques for pineapple plant propagation.

Future Research Directions

This study provides a foundation for further research on the influence of planting media composition and IBA concentration on the growth of crown cuttings of pineapple plants. Future research directions include:

Investigating the effect of different types of compost and husk charcoal on the growth of pineapple plants.
Exploring the use of other plant growth regulators, such as auxins and gibberellins, on the growth of pineapple plants.
Developing more efficient and environmentally friendly nursery techniques for pineapple plant propagation.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations, including:

The study was conducted in a controlled environment, which may not reflect the actual conditions in a field setting.
The study only investigated the effect of planting media composition and IBA concentration on the growth of crown cuttings of pineapple plants, and did not consider other factors that may affect plant growth.
The study only used a limited number of parameters to evaluate plant growth, and did not consider other important parameters, such as plant height and leaf area.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Influence of Planting Media Composition and Indole Butiric Acid (IBA) Concentration on the Growth of Crown Cuttings of Pineapple Plants

Q: What is the purpose of this study?

A: The purpose of this study is to explore the influence of various compositions of planting media and the concentration of Indole Butiric Acid (IBA) on the growth of crown cuttings of pineapple plants.

Q: What are the main factors tested in this study?

A: The two main factors tested in this study are:

Composition of planting media: Three different compositions of planting media were tested:
- Mixture of compost and sand with a ratio of 2: 1.
- Compost mixture and husk charcoal with a ratio of 2: 1.
- Mixture of compost, sand, and husk charcoal with a ratio of 2: 1: 1.
Concentration of IBA: Four different concentrations of IBA were tested:
- 0 ppm (control treatment)
- 100 ppm
- 200 ppm
- 300 ppm

Q: What are the observed parameters in this study?

A: The observed parameters in this study include:

Time of shoots
Percentage of sprouts
Buds
Length of the shoots
Number of roots
Length of the root
Root volume
Dry weight of the shoots
Dry weight of the root

Q: What are the results of this study?

A: The results of this study indicate that:

The composition of the planting media has a significant effect on the length of the root.
Giving IBA with various concentrations shows a significant effect on the time of shoots, bud length, and dry weight of the shoots.
Interaction between the composition of the planting media and the concentration of IBA also affects the dry weight of the shoots significantly.

Q: What are the implications of this study?

A: The implications of this study are that the proper planting media and IBA regulation greatly affect plant growth. The use of husk charcoal in planting media not only helps maintain humidity but also increases aeration, which is very important for root growth. Additionally, the best results are obtained without IBA treatment, suggesting that pineapple plants may have a better tolerance for natural growth conditions.

Q: What are the recommendations of this study?

A: Based on the results of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Use compost and husk charcoal with a ratio of 2: 1 as the planting media for pineapple plant propagation.
Avoid using IBA in pineapple plant propagation, as the best results are obtained without IBA treatment.
Consider the interaction between the composition of planting media and the concentration of IBA when designing nursery techniques for pineapple plant propagation.

Q: What are the future research directions of this study?

A: Future research directions include:

Investigating the effect of different types of compost and husk charcoal on the growth of pineapple plants.
Exploring the use of other plant growth regulators, such as auxins and gibberellins, on the growth of pineapple plants.
Developing more efficient and environmentally friendly nursery techniques for pineapple plant propagation.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: The limitations of this study include:

The study was conducted in a controlled environment, which may not reflect the actual conditions in a field setting.
The study only investigated the effect of planting media composition and IBA concentration on the growth of crown cuttings of pineapple plants, and did not consider other factors that may affect plant growth.
The study only used a limited number of parameters to evaluate plant growth, and did not consider other important parameters, such as plant height and leaf area.

Q: What are the practical applications of this study?

A: The practical applications of this study are that it provides useful insights about nursery techniques that are more efficient and environmentally friendly, which can be applied in agricultural practices to improve pineapple crop yields. Additionally, the study suggests that farmers and pineapple cultivators consider the appropriate planting media composition and use IBA wisely, to achieve optimal growth results.