Asexual reproduction of tacaco (Sechium tacaco): effect of the place of origin of the cutting

Abstract

A study conducted in Ujarrás, Cartago Province, Costa Rica, evaluated the effect of cutting origin on the asexual reproduction of tacaco (Sechium tacaco). Secondary shoot cuttings from three different locations within Cartago Province were treated with 10,000 ppm IBA and maintained under greenhouse conditions for 41 days. The cuttings were then transplanted to plastic bags and kept under shade for 27 days to assess changes in stem thickness, number of shoots, number of nodes, height, dry aerial weight, and dry root weight. No significant differences were found among the cutting origins for any of the variables assessed. It was concluded that cutting origin does not significantly affect the vegetative propagation of tacaco. This trial represents the first report on the effect of cutting origin on this species' reproduction through cuttings.