What is the purpose of adding a fungicide to a rooting hormone formulation?

• A. Prevent rotting of cuttings
• B. Improve rooting speed
• C. Increase leaf size
• D. Promote flowering

Answer: (A)

Preventing fungal disease during rooting. Cuttings placed in moist, warm media are highly vulnerable to fungi such as Pythium, Botrytis, or Fusarium. While a rooting hormone stimulates the formation of new roots, it doesn’t shield the cutting from these pathogens. The fungicide in the formulation guards against rot, increasing the chance that roots will develop successfully. It doesn’t directly make roots form faster, nor does it make leaves larger or promote flowering.