Establishment and Optimization of Plant Growth Media for the Propagation of Mas Cotek (Ficus deltoidea Jack var. trengganuensis)

The propagation of Mas Cotek using tissue culture techniques is time-consuming and requires specific conditions. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the best rooting media formulation to propagate Mas Cotek under field conditions. First, the effects of plant growth media (rice husk biochar (RHB), bris soil, cocopeat (CC), peatmoss, and a mixture of 3CC: 7RHB) on plant traits were investigated. Subsequently, the optimal ratio of CC and RHB for Mas Cotek propagation was carried out. In addition, the evaluation of the traits of the Mas Cotek plant when grown with the mixture of 3CC: 7RHB enriched with different rooting-promoting materials (effective microorganism, Agromedia™, Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA), organic fertilizer, peatmoss, and seasol) was also performed. Plant growth variables measured were the total number of roots, length, plant biomass, chlorophyll content, and stem diameter. Planting media characters observed were soil pH, soil electrical conductivity, and plant growth media biomass. The results showed that Mas Cotek propagated best in the combination of 3CC:7RHB growth media added with IBA. This plant growth media has enhanced the total root, root length, plant biomass, root biomass, stem diameter and chlorophyll content of the plant seedlings. The pH of plant growth media (7.00-neutral) and electrical conductivity (0.61 mS/m) are also suitable for growing many types of plants. Findings will help farmers choose the best plant growth media to propagate their plant seedlings. Keywords: Mas Cotek, Ficus Deltoidea, Plant Growth Media, Plant Propagation, Rootin