Auxin synergists in the rooting of mango cuttings

Preplanting application of phenolic compounds, p-hydroxybenzoic acid p-coumaric acid and ferulic acid, in most cases promoted auxin-induced rooting on cuttings of mango, a difficult-to-root fruit plant. The ethylene-releasing chemical CEPA (ethrel, ethephon) also stimulated rooting in the presence of auxins. Synergism was more pronounced in the presence of IBA than with IAA. To a certain extent, root-promoting effects of auxins and non-auxin chemicals were related to the utilization of carbohydrate fractions from the region of root formation. Utilization of reserve polysaccharides assumed greater importance only during the root-development phase.