Impact of Planting Schedules, Rooting Media and IBA Treatments on Hardwood Cuttings of Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) cv. Bhagwa

Abstract

Aims: To determine the best planting time and suitable media combination in forbetter growth of Pomegranate cuttings. Study Design: The experiment was laid out in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) comprising nine treatment combinations replicated thrice. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted during 2021–2022 at the Department of Fruit Science, College of Horticulture, Mandsaur, under R.V.S.K.V.V., Gwalior (M.P.), India. Methodology: The treatments consisted of two IBA concentrations (2500 and 3000 ppm) and three planting times, tested across different rooting media (soil, vermicompost + sand, and farmyard manure). Significant variations were observed among the treatments for all vegetative and root growth parameters. Results: The treatment combination of planting on 22 February (P₂) with IBA at 3000 ppm (I₂) produced the most favorable outcomes. This combination (P₂I₂) resulted in the earliest sprouting (15.53 days), the highest percentage of sprouted cuttings (40.44%), and the greatest number of sprouts per cutting (6.13 at 45 days and 9.00 at 60 days). It also achieved the maximum shoot length (27.77 cm), number of leaves (71.27), leaf area (43.63 cm²), and chlorophyll content (36.81 SPAD units). Similarly, root development was significantly improved under this treatment, with the longest root length (25.83 cm), highest number of primary roots (17.27), secondary roots (57.00), root fresh weight (2.57 g), and root dry weight (1.93 g). Furthermore, this treatment recorded the highest survival rate (95.66%) and the lowest mortality rate (4.34%) at 75 days after planting. Conclusion: This treatment combination substantially enhances rooting efficiency, vegetative growth, and survival rate, demonstrating its suitability for large-scale propagation and nursery establishment of pomegranate in this region.