Abstract
Studies were initiated to determine whether the winged bean can be propagated vegetatively by single node stem cuttings. Stock plants and cutting were exposed to different photoperiods various concentrations of indolebutyric acid (IBA), and different high humidity environments. As measured by root number and dry weight, the rooting response of cuttings to the photoperiod to which they were subjected was dependent on the photoperiod to which the parent stock had been exposed. The best treatment for maximum rooting (measured by number and dry weight of roots) included 14 h daylengths for stock plants and cuttings, intermittent mist and IBA at both 0·3 and 0·8 per cent. Rooting under natural photoperiods close to the equinox and in high humidity Wardian type cases was also sufficient for establishing new plants. After ten weeks of growth, 92 per cent of the cuttings potted had successfully established shoot systems. Results indicated that winged bean clones can be propagated readily by stem cuttings.
