Effect of Auxin Treatments and Seasonal Variation on Stem Cuttings Propagation of Hildegardia populifolia (DC.) Schott & Endl.

Abstract

Aims: To evaluate the effect of different concentrations of indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) and naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) on rooting and sprouting of stem cuttings of Hildegardia populifolia during spring and rainy seasons. Study Design: A field-based greenhouse experiment was carried out under nursery conditions. Place and Duration of Study: Forest College and Research Institute, Mulugu, Telangana, during 2022-2025 duration of research work. Methodology: Stem cuttings (30 cm long, 2–3 nodes) were treated with seven auxin-based formulations (IBA 1000, 2000, 3000 ppm; NAA 1000, 2000, 3000 ppm; and control) and planted in polybags containing red soil, black soil and sand (2:1:1) supplemented with cocopeat. Observations on sprouting percentage, rooting percentage, mean number of roots and root length were recorded for both spring and rainy seasons. Results: IBA at 3000 ppm produced the highest sprouting (40% in spring, 33.33% in rainy), rooting (33% in spring, 26.66% in rainy), number of roots (11.66 in spring, 3.0 in rainy) and root length (12.95 cm in spring, 2.33 cm in rainy). Overall, the spring season recorded significantly higher rooting and growth compared to the rainy season. Conclusion: IBA at 3000 ppm applied during spring is the most effective treatment for vegetative propagation of Hildegardia populifolia. Seasonal variation strongly influences rooting success, and the spring season is recommended for large-scale nursery multiplication.