Marikina Science High School

Sta. Elena Marikina City

 The Effectiveness of Ethephon 
and Salicylic Acid 
to the 
Growth of Bonsai Ficus Plant 
When Propagated Through Marcotting

 Submitted by:
Ejay Craig D.L. de Leon
Queentine Seth N. Castillo
Patricia Bianca B. Dela Cruz
IV – Mabini
 ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

METHODOLOGY

PRESENTATION, DISCUSSION, ANALYSIS

AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS,
CONCLUSIONS,
AND RECOMMENDATIONS

APPENDIX
 BACK ABSTRACT
Our world is full of pollution and waste. This is an ongoing battle
since the beginning of time. We were the ones who caused this plague;
therefore we should also be the ones to solve this problem. As young
minded students, we would like to solve this problem in our little
intelligent way.
Plants are a magnificent entity created by God. They require no
batteries or power source and emit no waste. In fact they help
cleanse this earth that we move in.
The researchers have devised a simple yet effective plan to help the
reduction of waste to our planet. This plan is to amplify and hasten
the growth of a bonsai ficus plant by means of applying chemicals to
plants propagated through marcotting. The bonsai ficus plant
specifically Chinese banyan has been proven by experts to be more
effective in filtering air than other plants. Marcotting is a way of
plant propagation that greatly hastens the growth of plants by
applying the chemicals salicylic acid and ethephon. These chemicals
further help in nurturing and assisting in plant growth and
propagation. Knowing that Bonsai Ficus plant is good specie in
removing air pollutants, we used it and applied chemicals to make it
grow faster and maximize the use of each plant. The marcotting and
application of chemicals has been done in a safe and effective way.
Data were gathered with precision and accuracy.
 BACK INTRODUCTION NEXT 
Many countries are suffering from air pollution. One of
these countries is our own country – Philippines.

Plants can provide us with fresh air but it is

not enough to actually remove all chemical pollutants
in the air. There are some plants that can help us
reduce chemical pollutants in the air. One of these is
the Bonsai Ficus Plant. The Ficus Plant won’t completely
clean the air but it can help to reduce good amount of
pollutants. There are some chemicals that may fasten
the rate of growth of this plant so that we can
maximize the use of it.

The researchers want out find out the

effectiveness of certain chemicals to fasten the rate
of growth of the Bonsai Ficus Plant.
BACK INTRODUCTION NEXT 

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
The aim of the study is to increase the rate of growth
of the plant, Bonsai Ficus, in order to maximize the use
of the plant, in a shorter period of time.
The researchers sought of answer the following
research questions:
•What are the steps involved in planting Bonsai Ficus
Plant when salicylic acid ethephon react on it while
growing?
•What are the various characteristics of Bonsai Ficus
Plant when salicylic acid and ethephon react on it while
growing?
•How salicylic acid and ethephon do affect the rate of
growth of Bonsai Ficus Plant?
•Howlong does it take the Bonsai Ficus Plant to grow at
a certain height when salicylic acid and ethephon are
made to react on it?
BACK INTRODUCTION NEXT 

HYPOTHESIS

Bonsai Ficus Plant is very useful. It helps

prevent air pollution by purifying the air we
breathe. Marcotting or air layering is another
easy way to propagate hardwood cuttings and
produce a replicate plant of quickened maturity.
A great advantage of marcotting is the near-
certainty of success for rooting. Unlike
cuttings, which are removed from the parent, a
marcot remains and continues to be fed by the
parent. Salicylic acid and ethephon will have no
effect on the rate of Bonsai Ficus Plant.
BACK INTRODUCTION NEXT 

IMPORTANCE OR SIGNIFICANCE OF THE 
STUDY
Many countries are now suffering from air
pollution. It must be pointed out that this a
strong reason why this kind of study must be
conducted because when it proves that these
chemicals are effective, this can help us to
maximize the uses of Bonsai Ficus Plant in
reducing air pollution.
This study will benefit the people
especially those with hepatitis and asthma
because the Bonsai Ficus Plant helps in reducing
chemical pollutants.
 BACK INTRODUCTION NEXT 

DEFINITION OF TERMS
•Bonsai – a small decorative evergreen shrub or tree
grown into a pot, which has been prevented from growing to
its usual size by various method.
•Marcotting – an old term for the layering, where a stem
is induced to form roots while staying on the parent plant.
Then it is wrapped with moist sphagnum peat moss and tied
in place with plastic sheeting. When roots are well-formed
the branch is cut below the roots to make a new plant.
•Salicylic Acid – is a betahydroxy-acid. This colorless
crystalline organic synthesis and functions as plant
hormone.
•Ethephon – is the most widely used plant growth
regulator. It is often used in wheat, coffee, tobacco,
cotton and rice. In order to help the plants’ fruit to
reach maturity more quickly. 
BACK INTRODUCTION NEXT 
SCOPE AND DELIMITATIONS 
OF THE STUDY

This study was conducted to determine the status of

rate of growth of the Bonsai Ficus Plant. It is also
conducted to test whether the chemicals, salicylic
acid and ethephon can fasten the rate of growth of
Bonsai Ficus Plant at a certain period of time.
The limitation of this study is to only reduce
the air pollution of a specific area. Air pollution is
a global crisis and we alone cannot totally eliminate
this problem. Another limitation of our study is the
use of only two chemicals which are salicylic acid and
ethphon for these are affordable and non-hazardous.
BACK INTRODUCTION
CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT

Bonsai Planting
Ficus Plant A Bonsai
Marcotting Ficus
Ethephon Plant with
Applicatio fast rate
Salicylic n of of growth
Acid chemicals
Other adequate Watering
materials such
as water,
gardening
tools,
sprinkler and
sprayer
 BACK REVIEW OF RELATED  NEXT 
LITERATURE

Philippines tackles air

pollution
Claire Wallerstein
Manila
After six years of governmental wrangling and a
massive nationwide campaign to gather signatures, the
Philippines—home to one of the world’s most polluted
cities—is on the verge of passing clean air
legislation. The population of Manila has grown faster
than that in any other city since 1970 and now stands
at at least 12 million, with 12600 people to each
square kilometre. Smog constantly blankets the city,
2.2 million motor vehicles form traffic jams, and
pedestrians keep handkerchiefs clamped over their
mouths and noses.
BACK REVIEW OF RELATED 
LITERATURE

According to the World Health Organisation

(WHO), levels of lead in the air in Manila are
more than three times the established safety
limit, and concentrations of suspended
particulate matter are also dangerously high.
Other pollutants have not been measured.

A recent survey by the Philippine Paediatric

Society, which asked doctors to describe the
most common illnesses that they treat,
received the same response in every case:
diseases of the upper respiratory tract.
BACK METHODOLOGY NEXT 
METHOD OF RESEARCH
The experimental method of research was used in
this study. The experimental method of research is
a fact-finding study with adequate and accurate
interpretation of the findings. Since the present
study or investigation was concerned on the
effectiveness of the chemicals such as salicylic
acid and ethephon on the growth of bonsai ficus
plant, the experimental method of research was the
most appropriate method to use. This kind of method
may help to determine the differences on the
growth of the marcotted bonsai ficus plant with
added chemicals versus the normal growing bonsai
ficus plant.
BACK METHODOLOGY NEXT 
METHOD OF COLLECTING DATA
The ficus plant was propagated through marcotting
since it is the fastest way of plant propagation. The
method of collecting data used was the empirical
observation method. This is concerned with looking
into the differences of some element. Since the
present research is concerned about the effectiveness
of the chemicals to the plant bonsai ficus,
observation was the most appropriate method to use in
gathering data.
The instrument used for gathering data was the ruler
which incorporates measurement. A ruler was used since
it is a common item that can accurately measure the
length of a stem of a growing ficus plant and because
it is the most convenient and accurate measuring tool
that can be used by the researchers.
BACK METHODOLOGY NEXT 
PROCEDURES

The researchers, shall gather the materials

needed for the execution of the experiment.
These materials are the following:

•Salicylic Acid
•Ethephon
•Soil
•Pots
•1 Mature Bonsai ficus Plant.
•Sphagnum Moss Tape
BACK METHODOLOGY NEXT 
PROCEDURES
After gathering we shall proceed with the
experimentation. Take one of the mature ficus
plants and then label it PLANT A, then wound the
plant in three different areas. These are known as
target areas. Label each target area as TARGET
AREA 1 , TARGET AREA 2 and TARGET AREA 3
respectively. Once the marcotting is finished,
apply Salicylic Acid to TARGET AREA 1 , and
apply Ethepon to TARGET AREA 2. Then do not
apply anything to TARGET AREA 3. Record if there
is increase in measurement. Once roots have
developed in the stems of the young ficus, transfer
them to separate pots.
BACK METHODOLOGY
PROCEDURES
Organize the data collected in the first trial of
the experiment through graphs and charts. These
will be used later in the research.
A second trial of experimentation is needed to
further test the results, repeat the previous
steps.
Organize the data collected in the second
trial of the experiment through graphs and charts.
These will be used later in the research.
Using the data collected, in the form of
graphs and charts compare the results of each
experiment. The numerical data will be listed then
qualitative data will be compared.
BACK NEXT 
PRESENTATION, DISCUSSION, ANALYSIS AND 
INTERPRETATION OF DATA
Table 1
Observations on the Effects of Plant Regulators on Bonsai Ficus
Plants
Start of Experiment (Marcotting of Stems) : 9-Oct-10
Date of Initial Treatment with Chemicals : 9-Oct-10
Attributes / Characteristics PLANT A PLANT B PLANT C
Treated with Treated with No Chemicals
Ethephon Salicylic Acid (Water only)
1. ROOTS CONTROL
a. Texture Rough Rough Rough
b. Color Brown ae Brown ae Brown ae
c. Thickness 0.1 cm 0.1 cm 0.1 cm
d. Length 4.0 cm abd 2.0 cm abd 0.5 cm abd
BACK NEXT 
PRESENTATION, DISCUSSION, ANALYSIS AND 
INTERPRETATION OF DATA
2. STEM
a. Texture rough rough rough
b. Color brown ae brown ae brown ae
c. Thickness 0.5 cm 0.4 cm 0.3 cm
d. Length 16.0 cm acd 15.0 cm acd 8.0 cm acd

3. LEAVES
a. Texture smooth smooth smooth
b. Color green af greenaf green af
c. Size 7.75cm 6cm 4.5cm
d. Abundancy Very Abundant Abundant Average

Footnote:
a - Based on average measurement
b- See Weekly Growth and Growth Rate on Table 2 and Figure 1.1 and 1.2
c - See Weekly Growth and Growth Rate on Table 3 and Figure 2.1 and 2.2
d - See Weekly Growth and Growth Rate on Table 4 and Figure 3.1 and 3.2
e - See Weekly Growth and Growth Rate on Table 5 and Figure 4.1 and 4.2
f - See Weekly Growth and Growth Rate on Table 6 and Figure 5.1 and 5.2
BACK NEXT 
PRESENTATION, DISCUSSION, ANALYSIS AND 
INTERPRETATION OF DATA
Figure 1.1
Weekly Growth of Bonsai Ficus
Plant
 BACK NEXT 
PRESENTATION, DISCUSSION, ANALYSIS AND
INTERPRETATION OF DATA
Figure 1.2
Average Growth Rate of Bonsai Ficus Plant based on Length of
Roots

The growth of roots of Plant A started on the 5th week with an average growth rate of 0.72 cm. while
Plant B started on the 6th week with an average growth rate of 0.50 cm. Whereas, the roots of Plant
C started to grow only on the 8th week with an average growth rate of 0.20 cm.
The roots of Plant C started to grow only on the 8th week with an average growth rate of 0.20 cm.
Growth rate of Plant A increased tremendously by 0.52 cm , whereas growth rate of Plant B increased
only by 0.30 cm compared to Plant C (Control-w/o treatment). Based on the above data, the effect of
treatment is seen tremendously on the growth of roots with the use of plant regulators based on
the difference on growth rate of 0.22 cm when using Ethephon vs. Salicylic Acid
BACK NEXT 
PRESENTATION, DISCUSSION, ANALYSIS AND 
INTERPRETATION OF DATA
Figure 2.1
Growth of Bonsai Ficus Plant based on Length of Stems
BACK NEXT 
PRESENTATION, DISCUSSION, ANALYSIS AND 
INTERPRETATION OF DATA
Figure 2.2
Average Growth Rate of Bonsai Ficus Plant based on Length of
Stems

The growth of stems of Plant A, Plant B and Plant C started on the

2nd week with an average growth rate of 1.11 cm. for Plant A, 1.00 cm for
Plant B and 0.22 cm for Plant C. Growth rate of Plant A increased
tremendously by 0.89 cm, whereas growth rate of Plant B increased only by
0.78 cm compared to Plant C (Control-w/o treatment). Based on the above
data, the effect of treatment is slightly evident on the growth of stems
due to a difference on growth rate of 0.11 cm only when using Ethephon
vs. Salicylic Acid
BACK NEXT 
PRESENTATION, DISCUSSION, ANALYSIS AND 
INTERPRETATION OF DATA
Figure 3.1
Growth of Bonsai Ficus Plant based on Average Length of Roots and
Stems at Week 10
BACK NEXT 
PRESENTATION, DISCUSSION, ANALYSIS AND 
INTERPRETATION OF DATA
Figure 3.2
Comparative Difference on the Length of Roots and Stems of Plant A and B
vs. Control

The length of roots of Plant A increased by 3.50 cm which is equivalent to 700%

increased vs. control. Whereas Plant B increased by 1.50 cm which is equivalent to
300% increased vs. control. As for the length of stems of Plant A increased by 8.00
cm which is equivalent to 100% increased vs. control. Whereas Plant B increased by
7.00 cm which is equivalent to 87.50% increased vs. Control.
BACK NEXT 
PRESENTATION, DISCUSSION, ANALYSIS AND 
INTERPRETATION OF DATA
Figure 5.1
Growth of Bonsai Ficus Plant based on Average Size of Leaves at
week 10
 BACK
PRESENTATION, DISCUSSION, ANALYSIS AND 
INTERPRETATION OF DATA
Figure 5.2
Comparative Difference on the Size of Leaves of Plant A & B vs.
Control

The size of leaves Plant A increased by 3.33 cm which is equivalent to 72% increased
vs. control. Whereas Plant B increased by 1.50 cm which is equivalent to 33% increased
vs. control.
Based on the above data, there are effects on size of leaves plants with the use of
plant regulators. Also, the data shows that Plant A using Ethephon has greater effect as
evident on the greater increased by 120% vs. Plant B using salicylic acid.
BACK SUMMARY OF  NEXT 
FINDINGS

The purpose of this study is to determine

which is best among salicylic acid, ethrel
or none, in order to speed up the rate of
growth of Bonsai Ficus plant propagated
through marcotting. This study was performed
to examine more closely the effect of each
chemical to the rate of growth of the Bonsai
Ficus plant propagated through marcotting.
BACK SUMMARY OF  NEXT 
FINDINGS
What are the steps involved in planting Bonsai Ficus Plant when
salicylic acid ethephon react on it while growing?

•There are steps followed in planting the Bonsai

Ficus plant. The researchers start with choosing
the right specie of Bosai Ficus plant which was
the best to use in order to perform the experiment
at its best. With the help of some people, the
researchers began to perform the experimentation.
The researchers’ marcotted three stems of the Ficus
plant to a mature plant and injected the chemicals
into two of the three stems. The third stem is
injected with no chemicals at all. After the roots
had grown, the researchers transferred the new
plant to a new pot.
BACK SUMMARY OF  NEXT 
FINDINGS
What are the various characteristics of Bonsai Ficus Plant when
salicylic acid and ethephon react on it while growing?

•After transferring the new plants, the researchers

compared and contrasted the three new plants. With the
researchers’ bare eyes, the researchers saw that the plant
injected with ethrel was the most grown plant among the
three while the plant with no chemicals at all was the
least. In terms of the roots, the researchers manage to
see that the plant injected with ethrel has longer and
thicker roots, followed by the plant injected with
salicylic acid then the plant injected with none. In terms
of leaves, still the plant injected with ethrel has the
most number of leaves, followed by the plant injected with
salicylic acid then the plant injected with none. In the
length of stem, the plant with ethrel still has the
longest, again followed by the plant with salicylic acid
then the plant with none.
BACK SUMMARY OF  NEXT 
FINDINGS
How salicylic acid and ethephon do affect the rate of growth of
Bonsai Ficus Plant?

•The chemicals affected the rate of growth of

plants a lot. It speeded up the rate of growth
of the Bonsai Ficus plant. Ethrel affected the
rate of growth of the Bonsai Ficus plant more
than that of the salicylic acid and the one
that has none. Among the three, ethrel made most
fast effects to the Bonsai Ficus plant but the
salicylic acid also made its job. The salicylic
acid speeded up the growth of the Bonsai Ficus
plant but not as fast as the one with ethrel.
BACK SUMMARY OF  NEXT 
FINDINGS
Howlong does it take the Bonsai Ficus Plant to grow at a certain
height when salicylic acid and ethephon are made to react on it?

•The researchers performed our experiment on a

somewhat long period of time. It took us around 5
months to finish everything. The researchers haven’t
set any certain height but it grew more than we
expected. The anticipated results were that no roots
will grow from the propagated stem. The researchers
also anticipated that if there will be roots present,
it would not grow as much as it has grown.
From the unexpected results, the researchers recorded
everything and analyzed everything. Until the
researchers completed every data they need. In
addition to the information gathered, the researchers
took pictures and made tables in order to present the
data.
BACK CONCLUSIONS NEXT 

The conclusion of this study is based on the

data collected from the experiment. The
anticipated results of the study were that
the chemicals (ethrel and salicylic acid)
will take no effect on the plant. This
assumption was found to be wrong.
The researchers therefore concluded that the
use of the chemicals salicylic acid and
ethrel really affect the plant in terms of
roots, stem and number of leaves. The
researchers found out that ethrel can make
more effects on the rate of growth of the
Bonsai Ficus plant.
BACK RECOMMENDATIONS
The application of Ethephon and Salicylic Acid to a
marcotted bonsai ficus plant, greatly influenced its
growth and propagation. The researchers recommend all
people who are planning to grow and breed bonsai to
use Ethephon and Salicylic acid mainly because of the
obvious and immediate effects of the said chemicals.
Ethephon gives a more immediate effect than salicylic
acid but still, both are effective in treating bonsai
ficus plants. These chemicals save the planter time
and effort when breeding and growing bonsai ficus
plants. Furthermore, the researchers recommend to
propagate the Chinese banyan because of its ability
to cleanse and filter the air around us. It will not
only make your garden beautiful but it will also make
the world a better place to live in.
BACK APPENDIX NEXT 
DOCUMENTATION

CHINESE BAYAN – FICUS MICROCARPA
BACK APPENDIX NEXT 
DOCUMENTATION
CHEMICALS
ETHREL/ETHEPHON SALICYLIC ACID

BACK APPENDIX NEXT 
DOCUMENTATION
MARCOTTING
INSERTION INSERTION INSERTION
POINT -A POINT -B POINT -C
BACK APPENDIX NEXT 
DOCUMENTATION
APPLICATION OF CHEMICALS
BACK APPENDIX NEXT 
DOCUMENTATION
TRANSFERRING OF MARCOTTED PLANTS TO POTS
BACK APPENDIX
DOCUMENTATION
TRANSFERRING OF MARCOTTED PLANTS TO POTS

INSERTION INSERTION INSERTION

POINT -A POINT -B POINT -C