The effects of dikegulac sodium on budbreak in canes of Dracaena fragrans (L.) Ker-Gawl. cv. Massangeana

Leafless cane cuttings of Dracaena fragrans 'Massangeana' were soaked for 1, 6 or 12 hours in 0.00%, 0.05%, 0.10%, 0.20%, 0.40% or 0.80% dikegulac sodium solutions before placement in the propagation medium. The number of budbreaks per cane cutting increased with increasing concentration up to 0.20% dikegulac sodium and decreased at higher rates. Increasing dikegulac sodium concentration decreased survival, root quality, shoot length, the percentage of normal buds and the percentage of budbreaks in the upper half of the cane cuttings (the normal site of budbreak). Generally, as dikegulac sodium concentration increased, budbreak was delayed. As soaking time increased, root quality and shoot length decreased. Further investigation of the effects of dikegulac sodium on this cultivar at rates lower than 0.20% may be warranted.