Effect of Different Rooting Media and IBA Concentrations on Efficient Propagation of Hibiscus syriacus L. through Stem Cuttings under Temperate Conditions of Uttarakhand, India

Abstract

Hibiscus syriacus L. is one of the preferred ornamental plants for temperate climates, valued not only for its decorative flowers but also for its medicinal properties. The present investigation was conducted in a naturally ventilated polyhouse at the Floriculture and Landscaping Block, College of Horticulture, V.C.S.G. Uttarakhand University of Horticulture and Forestry, Bharsar, during March to August 2025.The experiment consist of twenty-one treatment combinations involving 3 rooting media i.e., soil, sand and cocopeat and six concentrations of IBA viz., 500, 1000, 1500, 2000, 2500, and 3000 ppm along with control (distilled water).The results revealed that among the different treatment combinations, maximum number of buds sprouted per cutting, highest number of shoots, leaves and primary roots per cutting, longest root and shoot length, maximum average diameter of five roots, and highest total survival percentage one month after transplanting were recorded in cuttings planted in cocopeat treated with IBA @ 2500 ppm. Thus, it can be concluded that hardwood cuttings of Hibiscus syriacus L. treated with IBA @ 2500 ppm and planted in cocopeat proved to be most effective for efficient propagation.