The Effects of Fertilizer and Aspirin on Propagation of Ficus Species from Seed

ABSTRACT: Ficus spp. (or fig trees) are keystone species in tropical forest and have been promoted as framework species for forest restoration in Northern Thailand. This study aimed to improve propagation of Ficus spp. seedlings from seeds. The effects of fertilizer, aspirin, individually and in combination, were determined. Ficus seeds were treated with 0.05mM aspirin solution and 2 fertilizer dosages, placed under the medium surface in germination baskets. Seed germination, seedling survival and seedling performance were monitored. Three months after sowing, seedlings were subjected to drought stress and assessed. Fertilizer and aspirin had no effect on seed germination, but fertilizer significantly accelerated seedling growth and increased seedling height and number of leaves (P≤0.05). Aspirin has a significant effect on drought stress by delaying and reducing the severity of drought injury of leaves. Both aspirin and fertilizer treatments are likely to improve the efficiency of propagation of Ficus seedlings in nurseries and produce drought-resistant planting stock in less time than conventional propagation methods.