Abstract:
Bare rooted Dracaena sanderiana is a popular indoor plant with high commercial potential. D.
sanderiana top cuttings were dipped in different growth promoting substances and preservatives to
obtain disease free bare rooted plants within a short period of time. The six treatments tested included,
three concentrations of chitosan, an organic root promoting extract, NaOCl and vinegar. Chitosan
0.002% w/v solution was found to be the most effective rooting substance. Plants grown in this solution
had the highest root length (8.7 ± 0.8cm) and highest root number per plant (44.7 ± 2.2). Lowest
number of Colony Forming Units (CFUs) of bacteria was recorded from the chitosan 0.002% w/v
solution (18. 8 ± 3.3) compared to tap water (control) (233.2 ± 7.7). Considering both preservative and
growth promoting effects, chitosan 0.002% w/v solution can be recommended for the production of
disease free bare rooted plants within a short period of time.
