Cutting Propagation of Shea (Vitellaria paradoxa C.F. Gaertn) Tree Using Shoot Types and Application of Auxin

The shea is a medium-sized fruit tree indigenous of Sudano-sahelian zone of Africa with great economic potential and ecological components. Planting by seed takes a long time to fruit because of its slow growth. Factors affecting its development among other things are physiological and biochemical. The 2 × 2 factorial experiment set up in the rainy season was arranged in a randomized complete block with three (3) replications. The selected period was characterized by moderate cloud cover and temperature with the following factors; type of cuttings (apical and rejuvenated) and hormone concentration (0 mg/L and 10,000 mg/L). The different types of cuttings dipped in different hormone concentration showed significant (p < 0.05) rooting performance. Rejuvenated cuttings dipped in 10,000 mg/L of IBA (auxin) rooted best and produced more and long roots. The presence of high (p < 0.05) levels of endogenous indole acetic acid, sugars and proteins contributed to the good rooting in the rejuvenated cuttings. Plant nutrients like endogenous zinc and nitrogen in the cuttings also enhanced rooting for the rejuvenated cuttings.