Effect of Seasonal Variation on Rooting Potential of Neem (<I>Azadirachta indica</I> A. Juss)

Abstract

The effect of seasonal variation on rooting potential of Neem by using mid-cuttings, hardwood cuttings and epicormic shoots was studied at Biotechnoloty Research Centre (A.P. Forest Department), Triupati. The plant harmones such as IBA, IAA, 2.4-D were used alone or in combinations of different concentrations viz., 1000, 2000, 3000 ppm tested in both summer and winter seasons. Roots were observed in all types of branch cuttings after 30 days. During summer (April-May) 95 per cent of rooting was observed in epicormic shoots when treated with 1000 ppm IBA. However, in mid- and hardwood cuttings only 50% rooting was observed. During winter season (Nov.-Dec.) the epicormic shoots resulted in 50 per cent of rooting only. The individual concentrations showed better results as compared to combinations. Higher percentage of rooting was observed in summer compared to winter season.