Determination of different growing media and IBA concentrations on the rooting characteristics of lemon thyme (Satureja thymbra L.) cuttings

This study was carried out to determine the effects of different growing media [Perlite+Torf (2:1 volumetric), Peat+Sand (1:1 volumetric), Perlite+Sand (1:1 volumetric), Perlite+Sand (1:1 volumetric)] and different IBA concentrations [0 (Control), 3000ppm and 6000 ppm] on the rooting characteristics of cuttings of Satureja thymbra (Lemon thyme), which has a natural population in Akdeniz University campus in Konyaaltı district, one of the central districts of Antalya. The experiment was established in a single period with 3 replications according to the split-plot experimental design and a total of 675 cuttings, 25 cuttings in each replicate, were used. As a result of the experiment, rooting rate (%), number of roots (pcs), root length (cm), root wet and dry weights (g), number of shoots (pcs), shoot length (cm), shoot diameter (mm) and shoot wet and dry weights (g) were determined. As a result of the study, the highest rooting rate (58.66%) and the highest number of roots (6.28 pieces) were determined in cuttings treated with 3000 ppm IBA and rooted in Perlite+Torf medium. It was determined that growing media were more effective on rooting characteristics of cuttings than IBA treatments. The effects of growing media on rooting rate, number of roots, root length, shoot length, shoot diameter, root dry weight, shoot dry weight were statistically significant. On the other hand, IBA treatments had statistically significant effects on rooting rate, root number and shoot length. The interaction of growing medium and IBA treatments had statistically significant effects on root length, root dry weight and shoot dry weight.