Effect of different IBA concentrations and potting substrates on growth of Ficus carica L. cuttings under nursery conditions

Abstract

Ficus carica L., a member of family Moraceae, is being cultivated in India as a minor fruit crop and highly suitable for agroforestry sytems. Its cultivation in our country is only confined to some pockets. Its production is quite low, and the reason of low production is scarcity of high-quality planting material. Figs can be propagated through cuttings, but rooting in hardwood after cutting is the main problem in its practical application. In such conditions, plant growth regulators, especially indole butyric acid (IBA), can be a good option that may enhance rooting. Besides, potting substrates may also play a crucial role in the survival and rooting of such cuttings. Hence, a study comprising two factors, viz., IBA concentrations (0, 500, 1000, 1500 and 2000 ppm) and potting substrates (soil; soil + sand + vermicompost (1:1:1); soil + perlite + vermicompost (1:1:1); and soil + vermiculite + vermicompost (1:1:1)), was carried out in a completely randomized design. Highest concentration of IBA yielded maximum sprouting, rooting and growth of the fig cuttings. On the other hand, mixture of soil, vermiculite and vermiculture (1:1:1) supported maximum sprouting and growth of the cuttings. Thus, the results suggested that fig cuttings treated with IBA @ 2000 ppm grown in soil + vermiculite + vermicompost can be of use in enhancing the survival, sprouting, rooting and growth of the fig cuttings, which may enhance the production of fig in suitable agro-climatic regions in the country.