MOUNIKA GADAPA, GURPREET SINGH* AND EMMADISHETTY CHETHAN SWAMY
Department of Horticulture, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara-141 411 (Punjab), India
*(e-mail: gurpreetraje@rediffmail.com Mobile: 84350 02901)*
(Received: March 2, 2024; Accepted: April 29, 2024)
ABSTRACT
Pomegranate propagation traditionally relies on liquid-form IBA rooting hormone, but this method poses challenges like preparation complexity, potential cell damage, contamination risks, and accessibility issues. Therefore, there’s a need to explore simpler and potentially less chemically-intensive propagation options. The efficacy of charcoal and talc-based IBA rooting powders on ‘Bhagwa’ pomegranate stem cuttings was studied. Various IBA concentrations in powder form were tested against a standard liquid IBA treatment (T1, 2500 ppm). Rooting responses to determine the effectiveness of the powder formulations were evaluated. Treatment T9 (3000 ppm IBA in charcoal+talc powder) produced the best rooting results in the pomegranate cuttings. Notably, treatments T3 and T7 exhibited rooting success statistically similar to the traditional liquid IBA (T1). The powder formulations’ longer shelf life reduced contamination risk and easier application suggested that they were a viable alternative to liquid-form IBA for pomegranate propagation. This work demonstrated an innovative and potentially less chemically-intensive approach to plant propagation, contributing to SDGs 9 and 12.
Key words: Auxin, IBA, rooting hormone, stem cuttings, asexual, vegetative, innovative