EFFECT OF GROWTH MEDIA ON ROOTING AND

GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF MINT PLANT (Metha

Piperita L.) CUTTINGS

BY

FATIMA MUHAMMAD GIDADO

(ND/HORT/020/002)

BEING A PROJECT PROPOSAL SUBMITTED

TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HORTICULTURAL
TECHNOLOGY, FEDERAL COLLEGE OF
HORTICULTURE, DADIN KOWA

May, 2022
1
 DECLARATION

I the undersigned declare that this is my propose project work to be conducted for the award
of academic credit.

Signed:_____________________________ Date:_______________

FATIMA MUHAMMAD GIDADO

(ND/HORT/20/002)

This project paper has been presented for examination with my approval as the College
supervisor.

Signed:_____________________________

Mr. ANAS BELLO ABDULHAMID

Department of Horticultural Technology Federal College of Horticulture Dadinkowa, Gombe

State.

2
 CHAPTER ONE

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Mints (Mentha spp.) are popular aromatic and medicinal herbs and it comes from family of

perennial herbs and usually cultivated globally, to acquire its superior herbal features such as

antimicrobial and antioxidant properties (Kadam et al., 2011; Nayak et al., 2011). This

perennial herb has creep regular branches and their leaves are an oval-shaped, rough surface

with serrated margins. The genus Mentha belongs to the Lamiaceae family and includes 25 to

30 species (Hawryl et al., 2016).

Local names around the world

Arabic: Nana; Hausa: Nana; Brazil: Nortela pimento; Chinese: Po Ho; Danish: Pebermynte;

Dutch: Pepermint; English: Brandy Mint, Pepper Mint; French: Menthe, Menthe anglaise;

North America: Lamb Mint, Brandy Mint, Lam Mint, Peppermint; Norwegian: Peppermynte;

Polish: Pepparmunta; Portuguese: Hortelana pimentosa; Russian: Myata perechnaya;

Spanish: Mentainglesa, Menta Piperita; Swedish: Pepparmynt; Turkish: Nana; (Pankaj

Oudhia, 2003). It is largely developed in the Mediterranean region as the core fragment of the

vegetation. The world production of peppermint was about 92, 296 tons in 2014, led by

Morocco contributing more than 90% of the world total (FAOSTAT, 2017). This genus can

be originated in many environments but best raised in moist soils and wet atmospheres. Due

to their wide range of tolerance characteristics, it can also be grown in full sunlight (Maffei,

1999). Mints plant has about 10-120 cm height and can extend above an unstated region.

Particular mints are labeled as invasive, because of their propensity to grow widely (Park et

al., 2002). Most of the mint species are commercially seed sterile and nurtured by

3
underground stolon’s (runners or rootstock) of existing plants (Douhan and Johnson, 2001).

The stolon’s having high moisture content thus spoil promptly due to dryness and cannot be

preserved for a longer period (Douhan and Johnson, 2001).

Several authors reported that (Wealth of India, 1962; Park et al., 2002; Columbia Electronic

Encyclopedia, 2005; Thompson, 2003) mint leaves are mostly consumed either fresh or dried

manner in the different form of serving dishes such as vegetable gravies, chutney, salad

dressings, flavoring and garnishing of soups, meats, desserts, jellies, vinegar, tea infusions,

and iced drinks, etc. They are originally recognized for their special qualities such as

refreshing, anti-bacterial, stimulative, diaphoretic, stomachic, and anti-spasmodic. It reliefs

against cold, flu, fever, anorexia, nausea, motion sickness, food poisoning, rheumatism,

hiccups, wounds, cramping, diarrhea, earaches, gassiness, esophagus and sinus illnesses

(Saeidnia et al., 2005; Colak et al., 2008; Keifer et al., 2008; Therdthai and Zhou, 2009;

Akpinar, 2010; Nayak et al., 2011).

Plant cuttings are one of the most common methods of vegetative reproduction which is,

today, used extensively due to low cost. Today, reproduction by foliate semi hardwood

cuttings has been taken into consideration as a turning point in the affair of development of

the new grassy or woody cultivars and species (Hartmann et al., 1997).

Cutting is one of the extensively practiced means of vegetative propagation of plants in

horticulture industry (Patil et al., 2001) and is the most important practices in viticulture

(Omkuwar et al., 2011). It has many advantages such as being economical (K. Rao 2004),

require a limited space, simple [(Patil et al., 2001), (Alikhani et al., 2011)], rapid for

dissemination of selected clones or new varieties resulting from breeding programs (Singh

DR, Nair SA 2003) It maintains true to type varietal characteristics (Verdegaal PS 2009,).

Cutting is highly practical and economically important. It is used Soil medium is a factor

4
which has influence on the percentage of cuttings which are to be rooted and kind of the root

created on it. Cultivation environment must have enough humidity and oxygen and is free

from the pathogenic factors.

Rooting media is one of the most important factors for rooted cutting production. It is one of

the factors affecting rooting and growth of grape cuttings (Haile A. 2017). Types of media

have significantly influenced the rooting and vegetative growth of cuttings. Growing media

should be considered an essential part of the propagation system because rooting competency

depends on the type of medium used. Rooting medium directly affect the quality and

percentage of rooting (Muhammad et al., 2018). Both the biological and physico-chemical

characteristics of a potting medium affect plant and root growth (Haile A. 2017). It is known

that good growth media provides a reservoir for plant nutrients, hold plant available water,

and provide a means for gas exchange and good anchorage for the plants (Galavi M, MA

Karimian, SR Mousavi 2013).

1.2`Statement of the Problem

Considering the economic importance of Mint Plant and its means of propagation there’s

research gap on the effect of growth media on rooting and growth performance of Mint Plant

cuttings.

1.3 Justification of the Study

1.4 Objective of the Study

1. To determine the effect of different growth media on rooting of Mint Plant Cuttings.

2. To determine the effect of different growth media on the growth and of Mint Plant.

5
1.4 Scope of the Study

This study is limited to determine the effect of different growth media on the rooting and the

growth and of mint plant, to understanding the media that is suitable on the rooting, growth

performance and yield of Mint Plant with comparison to control plot in Gombe State Ministry

Of Environtment.

6
 CHAPTER TWO

2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Origin and Distribution

Mint is believed to have originated in the Mediterranean basin and, from there, spread to the

rest of the world by both natural and artificial means. Among the mints, Japanese mint is

cultivated on a large scale in Brazil, Paraguay, China, Argentina, Japan, Thailand, Angola

and India. Peppermint is grown in the USA, Morocco, Argentina, Australia, France, USSR,

Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Italy, and Switzerland and on a small scale in many

Europe countries. USA is the major producer of peppermint and spearmint. The total area

under mint cultivation, which is mostly confined to Uttar Pradesh and the Punjab, is around

10,000 ha ( )

2.2 Botanical Description

Minth Pipperita is a perennial ascending herb growing about 60-80 cm. in height and under

favorable conditions may attain a height up to 100 cm. It is propagated mainly by its stolon’s.

Leaves are lanceolate-oblong, sharply toothed; petiole is small about 5mm. in length. The leaf

lamina varies from 5 to 15 cm. The leaf surfaces mainly lower side is covered with dense

hairy growth of glandular trichomes. Flowers are borne in axillary and terminal verticillate,

abundant in number, purplish in colour. The flowers are small with corolla measuring 4-

5mm., calyx 2- 3mm., narrowly deltoid and acuminate. It does not produce seed and

propagation is through vegetative means only. Japanese mint is a vigorously growing

branched, hardy perennial, attaining up to 1m height in rich fertile lands (Niftem 2021).

The herb is covered with soft tomentum all over and bears broadly ovate leaves over terete,

violet tinged quadrangular stems. It gives out long, narrow, axillary flowering spikes

7
profusely, containing lilac flowers. Being of hybrid origin, it rarely sets seed. The crop is

commercially raised through underground stems called stolon’s, though suckers given out in

rainy season also easily give out roots on planting, producing new plants (Niftem 2021).

A number of improved varieties MAS 1, Hybrid 77, EC 41911, Kalka, Gomti, Himalaya and

Kosi are grown, producing high oil yields. However, Shiwalik is most popular variety

amongst farmers, covering nearly total area in our country. It produces compact bushy

growth with thick leathery leaves, producing high oil yield. The oil has high menthol content

(75-85%). The newly bred culture, Kosi, has the greatest yield. The oil has high menthol

content than Himalaya and Shiwalik (Niftem 2021).

2.3 Mint Functionality

Mints (Mentha spp.) are popular aromatic and medicinal herb and it has a huge family of

perennial herbs and usually cultivated globally, to acquire its superior herbal features such as

antimicrobial and antioxidant properties (Kadam et al., 2011; Nayak et al., 2011). This

perennial herb has creep regular branches and their leaves are an oval-shaped, rough surface

with serrated margins.

Several authors (Wealth of India, 1962; Park et al., 2002; Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia,

2005; Thompson, 2003) reported that mint leaves are mostly consumed either fresh or dried

manner in the different form of serving dishes such as tea infusions tea infusions, vegetable

gravies, chutney, salad dressings, flavoring and garnishing of soups, meats, desserts, jellies,

vinegar, , and iced drinks, etc. They are originally recognized for their special qualities such

as refreshing, anti-bacterial, stimulative, diaphoretic, stomachic, and anti-spasmodic. It reliefs

against cold, flu, fever, anorexia, nausea, motion sickness, food poisoning, rheumatism,

hiccups, wounds, cramping, diarrhea, earaches, gassiness, esophagus and sinus illnesses

8
(Saeidnia et al., 2005; Colak et al., 2008; Keifer et al., 2008; Therdthai and Zhou, 2009;

Akpinar, 2010; Nayak et al., 2011).

2.4 Method of Progation

Mentha piperita L. is an aromatic plant which is not competent to reproduce seeds. On the

contrary, it can be propagated by using stem cuttings. Buta et al., (2014) studied on the

vegetative propagation through cuttings of Mentha x piperita hybrid using various rooting

substrates. Vegetative propagation is the most commonly used method in commercial

production of many plants. In many species, it is the only method for clonal propagation of

plants (Hartmann et al., 2002).

The vegetative (asexual) propagation of plants is the process, when an exact copy of the

genome (clone) of a mother plant is made and continued in new individuals. It is ensured by

meristematic, undifferentiated cells that can differentiate to the various organs necessary to

form a whole new plant (Wiesman and Jaenicke, 2002). Plant cuttings are one of the most

common methods of vegetative reproduction which is, today, used extensively due to low

cost. Today, reproduction by foliate semi hardwood cuttings has been taken into

consideration as a turning point in the affair of development of the new grassy or woody

cultivars and species (Hartmann et al., 1997). Soil medium is a factor which has influence on

the percentage of cuttings which are to be rooted and kind of the root created on it.

Cultivation environment must have enough humidity and oxygen and is free from the

pathogenic factors. Considering available facilities or economic situations, ornamental plants

are reproduced by various methods. In most cases, production of ideal plant from seeds is not

possible because most ornamental plants are heterozygote and their seeds produce various

plants. In addition to these, some plants, due to genetic reasons (incompatibility between

pollen grain and gynoecium, polyploidy) or undesirable environmental conditions (such as

9
inappropriateness of temperature and relative humidity for pollination) do not produce seeds

and the vegetative reproduction must be used to proliferate them.

2.5 Growth Media

Growing media are materials that plants grow in. Growing media is specifically designed to

support plant growth and can either be a solid or a liquid. Different components are blended

to create homemade and commercial growing media. Different types of growing media are

used to cultivate various plants (Maximum Yield 2018). Maximum Yield 2018 Explains

Growing Media functions as:

1. Physically support plant growth

2. Allow for maximum root growth

3. Supply roots with necessities such as water, air, and nutrients

In native plant nurseries growing media is composed of native soil, but such a soil is often

referred to as artificial soil when it contains other materials such as compost (e.g., bark, green

waste), coco coir, wood fibers, or peat moss. Mineral components such as vermiculite, clay,

pumice, and perlite are also used to make growing media. However, the composition of a

growing medium is greatly influenced by the particular plants being grown. (Maximum Yield

2018).

Roots develop in pore spaces between the individual particles of the growing media. Water

and air move through the pore spaces. Air is responsible for the health of soil microorganisms

and is needed for root growth while water is needed to fuel plant growth. Microorganisms in

the growing media help supply plants with nutrients necessary for their growth.

10
Growing media may also be known as grow media, culture medium, or substrate (Maximum

Yield 2018).Growth media is one of the most important factors for cutting production. It is

one of the factors affecting rooting and growth of grape cuttings (Haile, 2017).

Types of media have significantly influenced the rooting and vegetative growth of cuttings.

Growing media should be considered an essential part of the propagation system because

rooting competency depends on the type of medium used. Rooting medium directly affect the

quality and percentage of rooting (Muhammad et al., 2018). Both the biological and physico-

chemical characteristics of a potting medium affect plant and root growth (Haile 2017). It is

known that good growth media provides a reservoir for plant nutrients, hold plant available

water, and provide a means for gas exchange and good anchorage for the plants (Galavi et al.,

2013).

2.6 Factors Affecting Rooting of Cuttings

Factors affecting rooting of cuttings can be internal or external factors. Internal factors

affecting rooting of cuttings include the amount of stored food in cuttings, the age and

maturity of tissue, the formation of callus and adventitious roots and the presence of leaves

and buds on cuttings (Jaleta and Sulaiman 2019). The external factors include rooting media,

chemical and hormone treatments, light, temperature, mechanical treatment and mist spray.

Rooting media is one of the most important factors for rooted cutting production especially in

grape (Jaleta and Sulaiman 2019). It is one of the factors affecting rooting and growth of

grape cuttings. Jaleta and Sulaiman (2019) stated that types of media have significantly

influenced the rooting and vegetative growth of cuttings, also added that different planting

media have significantly influenced the vegetative growth of cuttings; due to the level of

organic matter content, water holding difference. The suitability of the rooting medium

11
depends on the species, type of cuttings, growing conditions, season of the year and the cost (

Jaleta and Sulaiman 2019). Effectiveness of the medium components. A media which is light,

rich, porous, well drained and free from pathogens is considered ideal for growing of grape.

A good potting medium must be easy to supply, process and a cheap source. Choosing the

most suitable growing media for the achievement of a successful plant production is very

important.

2.7 Review on the Effect of Media on Rooting and Growth of Cuttings

The quality of potting mixes and field nursery soils is critical to cutting establishment (Waite

et al., 2015). It is known that good growth media provides a reservoir for plant nutrients, hold

plant available water, and provide a means for gas exchange and good anchorage for the

plants Galavi et al.,(2013). Lack of one or more of these beneficial characteristics leads to

lower rooting percentage of cuttings or undesirable root shape and or form Dvin et al.,

(2011). Thus, growers typically use peat, perlite, vermiculite, sand, fallow land and organic

and inorganic composted materials to prepare nutritious potting mixtures Pescu and Popescu

(2015).

Review on the effect of media on rooting and root growth parameters of grape cutting Effect

of media on rooting percentage of grape cutting: Factors affecting rooting of grape cuttings

can be internal or external factors. Internal factors affecting rooting of cuttings include the

amount of stored food in cuttings, the age and maturity of tissue, the formation of callus and

adventitious roots and the presence of leaves and buds on cuttings. The external factors

include rooting media, chemical and hormone treatments, light, temperature, mechanical

treatment and mist spray (Wei-June-Lu, 1958)

12
Many papers present studies on the effect of various media for rooting cuttings. Vermiculite,

perlite, and other products have been and are being tested with a view of improving plant

propagation methods (Wei-June-Lu, 1958). Many mixtures have been used as media for

propagation. Cuttings of some plants which root poorly in sand, often root satisfactorily in

mixtures of equal volumes of sand and peat. A mixture of equal parts of peat and sawdust

was satisfactory for rooting of grape. A mixture which contained 1 part of peat, 1 part of

sand, and 1 part of sawdust also proved satisfactory Brightwell (1998). Any medium which

holds moisture and supplies air is satisfactory. However, different media cause variations in

root quality Ishizaki (1991). Of 43 kinds of plants propagated by stem cuttings, 30 produced

finer and more flexible roots in peat moss than in sand due to the reduced aeration and

increased moisture (Wei-June-Lu, 1958). When cuttings are rooted in sand and peat moss or

perlite and peat moss, the roots developed are well branched, slender and flexible, a type

much more suited for digging and repotting ( ). Among some of the rooting media

used in Ghana is a mixture of equal parts of coarse river sand and composted oil palm fiber.

The fiber holds moisture while the sand keeps the mixture open and well aerated (Ibrahim,

2008). Tsipouridis et al., (2005) studied on five rooting substrates (perlite (1-5 mm), peat,

perlite + peat (50:50 %), sand and perlite (covered cuttings were additionally enclosed in a

polyethylene bag)) and found rooting the 50:50 peats perlite mixtures gave a reasonable

amount. Dvin et al., (2011) also reported that using of coco peat + perlite media resulted in

higher percentage of cuttings that rooted (Ibrahim 2008) showed that sand/ fiber mixture gave

a higher percentage of rooting success and produced stronger and more fibrous roots than

sand, fiber or peat moss alone. (Muhammad et al., 2018)

13
 CHAPTER THREE

3.0 MATERIALS AND METHOD

3.1 Study Area

The Experiment will be conducted at the Federal College of Horticulture Dadin kowa,

Gombe state

3.2 Experimental Materials

The experimental materials were mint plant cuttings, topsoil, clay soil, sharp sand, manure,

sawdust, rice husk, polythene bags, watering can, secateurs and etc.

3.3 Cuttings Preparation

Fresh cuttings of Delonix regia will be taken from healthy growing stem of mint plant within

the college greenhouse. The materials will be taken from the same branch position in the

morning and placed in boxes filled with moist clean sand and transported to the propagation

area. The cuttings will be separated by sterile secateurs. Effort will be made to ensure

uniformity in selection of cuttings as stem length of the cutting will be determin at 15 cm and

diameter range between 2-3 cm (Kareem et al. 2005).

3.4 Preparation of Growth Media

The river sand will be obtain from river Dadinkowa, while the top soil will be obtained in the

surrounding where the experiment will be carried out, saw dust will be obtain in Kasuwan

Katako Gombe, rice husk will be obtain at the Nasarawo rice mills while manure filtrate will

be prepared using the standard procedure.

14
The potting mixture will be prepared by ensuring homogenous combination of pulverized

cow dung manure, river sand and top soil in a ratio of 1:1:1. All the growth media will be fill

into standard polythene bags of dimension 14x11x5cm3 .The fill polythene bags will be

watered for 7 days before planting.

3.5 Experimental Design and Layout

The experiment will be laid out in CRD design consisting of 7 treatments (T1: Topsoil

(control), T2: River sand, T3: clay soil, T4: Manure filtrate, T5: sharp sand + topsoil +

manure, T6: rice husk and T7: sawdust) replicated 3 times.

15
 T3 T1 T5

T1
T5 T5

T2 T4 T2

T1 T4
T7

T7
T6 T3

T7
T2 T6

T4 T6 T3

3.6 Data Collection

16
Data would collected on number days to start sprouting, percentage sprouting, plant heigt,

root lentght, number of root, number of leaves, colar girth and number of branches.

The rate of cuttings sprouting will be determine by the number of days taken by the

cutting to commence sprouting, sprouting percentage will be obtain by dividing the

number of sprouted cutting with the total number of cuttings planted and multiply by 100,

plant height (cm) will be measured weekly using meter rule which involved measuring of

the vertical distance of each sampled seedlings from the basal region (soil surface) to the

tip of the plant (Kareem et al., 2002), root length (cm) will be measured using meter rule

Number of root per cuttings will be recorded using physical counting. Number of leaves

will be taken by physical counting of the leaves and collar girth (cm) will be determined

by wrapping a thread round the basal region of the sampled seedlings stem and stretching

the thread on a meter rule to determine its dimension (stem width) number of branches

will be determine by physically counting the branches.

3.7 Data Analysis

The data collected will be subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Means will be

separated using Least Significance Difference (LSD) at P < 0.5 level of significance.

17
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A.Jaleta and M. Sulaiman (2019) A Review on the Effect of Rooting Media on Rooting and
Growth of Cutting Propagated Grape (Vitis vinifera L). World Journal of Agriculture
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Dvin SR, EG. Moghadam, M Kiani (2011) Rooting response of hardwood cuttings of
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