Effect of various media composition and rooting hormone concentrations on success of phalsa cuttings

Abstract

Phalsa is a promising small fruit of Pakistan which is cherished in summer season. It is a hardy plant which can be propagated
by sexual and asexual methods. Current experimental trial was conducted to assess different concentrations of rooting hormone
(IBA) and various compositions of growing media on off-season hardwood phalsa cuttings under lathhouse. Eight different
composite growing mixtures consisting of bagasse, silt, compost, sand, peatmoss along with their combinations were evaluated
for phalsa cuttings that were dipped in four different concentrations of IBA i.e., control, 300 mg L-1
, 600 mg L-1
and 900 mg L1
. The results suggested that phalsa cuttings dipped in 900 mg L-1
IBA concentration and grown in media comprising of sand +
silt + peatmoss took minimum days to first sprouting (17.33). Cuttings treated with IBA at 900 mg L-1
and planted in a mixture
of silt + compost + peatmoss showed maximum number of buds sprouted (4), sprouting percentage (88.88%), number of
sprouts (7), number of leaves (18), leaf area (15.45 cm2
), length of longest sprout (12.4 cm), diameter of thickest sprout (10.67
mm), fresh weight of shoots (17.82 g), dry weight of shoots(8.92 g), number of roots (18), length of longest root (11.31 cm),
diameter of thickest root (20.81 mm), fresh weight of roots (6.67 g), dry weight of roots (3.19) and survival percentage
(100%). Conclusively, dipping of phalsa cuttings in 900 mg L-1
IBA concentration followed by planting in rooting media
comprising of Silt + Compost + Peatmoss was the suitable treatment for propagation of hardwood phalsa.