Abstract: This study is about synthesis of
poly(sodium acrylate-co-acrylamide) polymer hydrogel and its application as
rooting medium of stem cutting vegetative propagation of Ficus carica L.
Hydrogel of poly(sodium acrylate-co-acrylamide) was synthesized using partial
alkaline hydrolysis method and copolymerized under microwave irradiation at
800W for three minutes. Partial alkaline hydrolysis was done by adding 0.1g of
sodium hydroxide (NaOH) in 0.169 mol of acrylamide monomer (AAM). ATR-FTIR
analysis proves C=C (1447.9cm-1 ) double bond of acrylamide monomer has
reacted. Gel content (G%) is as much as (62.7±3.1)%, the degree of swelling Q
(%) is (108.6±21.2)% and absorption degree, AD (g/g) is (137.9±3.5) g/g.
Applications of poly(sodium acrylate-co-acrylamide) hydrogel as rooting medium
of stem cuttings for Fig tree showed positive responses. Treatment that grown
inside plastic at room temperature shows positive growth of roots, shoots and
buds for stem cuttings of Fig tree. Mixture of polymer gel and vermiculite
medium shows highest mean percentage (%) for roots growth. While mean
percentage (%) for roots growth in poly(sodium acrylate-co-acrylamide) medium
is (150.0±3.4)%. Treatment that grown inside plastic at room temperature is
very efficient compared to other treatments.
Keywords: Ficus carica L.; vegetative
propagation; hydrogel; rooting medium
