Promotion of rooting and development of cuttings by plant growth factors formulated into a controlled-release system

The effect of long-acting formulations of plant growth factors (PGFs) on rooting was investigated in a mung bean cuttings model system, in five semi-hard olive cultivars and in a range of garden plants. The PGFs, which comprised the hormones indole-3-butyric acid and paclobutrazol, the nutrients N, P, and K and trace elements, and the protecting agent Sportac, improved rooting and promoted the development of the root system. The PGFs were formulated into encapsulated controlled-release systems by means of an extrusion technique, a coating method, or their combination. Chemical and biological testing of the encapsulated formulations showed a prolonged release pattern for each of the ingredients. The controlled release PGF delivery system presented in this study may serve as a platform for a wide range of horticultural uses of premixed formulations contributing to the efforts towards a safe environment.