What is a standard propagation protocol for tomato cuttings in a greenhouse?

• A. Keep high humidity (70-95%) and warm temps (22-25°C), with consistent moisture until roots form (7-14 days)
• B. Sanitary cuttings, 2-3 nodes, use rooting hormone, keep high humidity (70-95%) and warm temps (22-25°C), provide consistent moisture until roots form (7-14 days)
• C. Cuttings with no rooting hormone
• D. Low humidity and cool temps

Answer: (B)

When propagating tomato cuttings, the key is providing clean, properly prepared material and favorable rooting conditions. Start with sanitary cuts from a healthy mother plant to prevent disease. Choose cuttings that have 2–3 nodes, giving enough tissue to form both roots and new growth. Applying rooting hormone helps jump-start root formation by triggering the plant’s rooting processes, improving speed and success. Maintain a very humid environment (high humidity) and warm temperatures around 22–25°C, while keeping the rooting medium consistently moist but not waterlogged. Under these conditions roots typically form in about 7–14 days, as the combination of moisture, warmth, and rooting hormone promotes rapid root initiation. Without rooting hormone, root formation can still occur but is slower and less reliable; too low humidity or cooler temperatures greatly reduces rooting success and should be avoided.