Assessment Of Iba (Indole Butyric Acid) Levels And Planting Time For Rooting And Growth Of Alstonia Cuttings

Abstract

An experiment to assess different levels of IBA (Indole Butyric Acid) and planting time on rooting and growth of Alstonia cuttings was conducted at Ornamental Horticulture Nursery, Department of Horticulture, The University of Agriculture Peshawar, Pakistan. The experiment was carried out using RCBD design with split plot arrangement. There were five levels of IBA 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20% that were prepared by mixing IBA with talc powder. Cuttings were obtained from healthy, vigorous growing trees which were 15-20 cm long and 2-3 nodes. Leaves were removed from the cuttings and were treated with IBA than planted in plastic bags filled with mixture of sand, clay and FYM with the ratio of 1:1:1 on three different planting times 15th March, 30th March and 14th April. IBA level of 10% showed best results regarding leaf area plant^-1(26.032 cm²), sprout length(18.096 cm), stem diameter (14.44 mm), number of roots plant^-1 (15.613), root diameter (3.412 mm) while number of  leaves plant^-1 (17.27), root length (14.24 cm) and survival percentage (70%) was best recorded when treated with IBA at level of 5%. However, sprouting percentage and days to bud sprouting were not significantly affected by different levels of IBA. It is observed from the study that there was no significant effect of planting time over any parameter however good results were observed in cuttings planted at 14th April regarding leaf area plant^-1, sprout length, stem diameter, number of roots plant^-1, number of leaves plant^-1, root length, root diameter and survival percentage while sprouting percentage and days to bud sprouting were best when planted at 15th March. IBA at 10% level and 14th April as planting time resulted in overall best performance and hence recommended for treating and planting cuttings of Alstonia.

Keywords: Alstonia, Growth attribute, Planting times, IBA.