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Root stimulator - Indole-3-butyric Acid

Are any of you using this or other root stimulators on your cuttings or potted plants?

I know this is the active ingredient used when dipping cuttings in powder to aid in rooting. I don't think the Fig cuttings need it but what about the hard to root ones and what about using it after potting to encourage a strong rootball.

I was thinking this and a 50% solution of fish emulsion sounds like a good start.
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I've used this on rose cuttings (some heirloom own-root roses).  And I thought about using it on fig cuttings, but after reading about the warnings I decided to keep it away from any food crop.  I don't really know its half life, but since figs root so well (even the comparatively "difficult" ones seem easy in comparison with most trees), I thought "why risk it if it's not necessary?".

     Elsewhere in this forum (under a few older topic threads) there's good information about rooting mediums and fertilization.
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I thought this was a very safe product. What do you know?

http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/biopesticides/ingredients/factsheets/factsheet_046701.htm 
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Hi Charles,


Hmm... this is odd.  That EPA material safety data sheet (MSDS) sure makes it sound like a pretty harmless substance.  And yet:   I have a small bottle of Bontone Rooting Powder, made by Bonide.  The label lists the active ingredient as indole-3 butyric acid 0.10%, and 99.9% inert ingredients.  The label on the product lists several warnings, including:
    Do not use on plants that are to be used for food or feed.
And under the First Aid section, a few statements such as
    (If in the eyes) Call a poison control center or doctor.  Hold eye open and rinse slowly and gently with water for 15-20 minutes.
    (If swallowed) Call a poison control center or doctor immediately for treatment advice.
    (additional similar statements).
In the section on precautionary statements:  Causes eye irritation.  Harmful if inhaled or absorbed through the skin. Avoid contact with skin, eyes, or clothing. Avoid breathing dust. Wash thoroughly with soap and water after handling. Remove contaminated clothing and wash clothing before reuse.
(a few similar statements about washing before other activities).

Here's a link to the Bonide label:
(It's a little bit small unless you zoom in).

And yet, on the Bonide web site it shows an MSDS that is similar to the EPA one that you posted a link to:

So, is Bonide's label overstating?  Who knows... but I fell back on the logic that it's just not necessary for figs... they're pretty easy to root.  I think the rooting medium that you use is more important.

Mike
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That is peculiar indeed. Maybe they are just being overly cautious in case someone files a lawsuit against them they can say. "We told you not to do that".
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Registered uses no doubt. IBA is naturally present in willow bark. The real danger with concentrated natural products is just that, they are concentrated beyond what is found in nature. A willow twig is safe for a baby to chew on, but a bottle of rooting hormone? Not my baby.
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