Robert Chin

Date of Award

2020

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelors

Department

Humanities

First Advisor

Clore, Amy

Area of Concentration

Biology

Abstract

Auxin and cytokinin are the main plant hormones used for triggering growth of new organs through totipotency. In order to study their effects and to see how useful their application may be to aid in asexual reproduction of a particular species, Sansevieria trifasciata var. laurentii (De Wild.) N. E. Br., cuttings were grown with different concentrations of these hormones added at different intervals. To make the cuttings, the tips of leaves were cut into 15 g (+ or - 1 g) segments which were then treated with hormone solutions (introduced at different intervals and concentrations) or pure DI water for the controls. These cuttings were monitored during a seven week period during which the growth and production of any roots and shoots, as well as environmental parameters of the greenhouse, were recorded. Results showed that the addition of TakeRoot® (a formulation containing auxin) led to faster root elongation and increased root numbers (when compared to water, which also did result in root growth) throughout the experiment. Dip’N Grow®, the other formulation of auxin, lead to the majority of the cuttings having callus growth. The Carolyn’s 6BA (cytokinin) resulted in little to no root growth, and no shoot growth was seen for any of the hormones during the 50 day period. Different concentrations of Carolyn’s 6BA, Dip’N Grow® and TakeRoot® showed a significant effect on growth, but the number of hormone introductions did not. Overall, the results led to the conclusion that Sansevieria trifasciata var. laurentii cuttings are able to grow successfully in pure DI water, and that auxin is able to increase root growth but the formulation is an important factor. It was also concluded that cytokinin is able to slow or stop root growth and a balance auxin and cytokinin in the cutting may lead to callus formation. This study could contribute to finding the optimal growth conditions for this plant to be asexually produced for horticultural and landscape applications.

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