Investigating Propagation Protocols for Buddleja saligna and Euclea natalensis

Buddleja saligna and Euclea natalensis are widely used in traditional medicine and have ornamental, medicinal, and cosmeceutical value. However, propagation methods for these species remain largely undocumented, highlighting the need for sustainable propagation techniques to support their commercialization. Therefore, this study investigated the influence of temperature on seed germination and seedling emergence, as well as the effects of cutting position, growth medium, season, and plant growth regulator use on vegetative propagation success. Seed germination of B. saligna was highest at 25 °C (96%), with mean germination time (3.1 days), mean emergence time (3.9 days), germination index (145.2), shortest time to 50% germination (2.6 days), and shortest time to 50% emergence (3.98 days). However, the results were not significantly different from those at 20 °C and 30 °C. For E. natalensis, maximum germination (98%) occurred at 20 °C, with no significant differences from 25 °C and 30 °C. For B. saligna, significant interactions between season and cutting position affected leaf and bud formation. The highest rooting percentage (7%) was obtained on stem cuttings treated with DynarootTM 3 (0.8% IBA) and planted in coco peat (M2). However, overall rooting success remained low across all treatments. For E. natalensis, no survival or rooting was observed in any treatment combination. Overall, seed propagation was more effective under the conditions tested than vegetative propagation, which showed low rooting success. Therefore, further research is needed to establish reliable protocols for vegetative propagation in both species.