Effect of Indole Butyric Acid and Zinc Sulplate on Rooting of Himalayan Cedar (Cedrus deodara Roxb.) Cuttings

In general, Cedrus spp.are difficult to root. Propagation of gymnosperms such as cedrus by cutting is difficult, because gymnosperms have poor root production efficiency. The present study was therefore carried out to investigate the effects of indole-butyric acid (IBA) and Zinc Sulphate (ZnSO4) on adventitious roots formation in semi-hardwood cuttings of Cedrus deodara Roxb. The collected cuttings were the first treated with different IBA concentrations (0, 3000, 6000 or 9000 mg l-1) and after two days, they were sprayed with ZnSO4 (0 and 5000 mg l-1). Treatments were performed three times at weekly intervals during experiment period. The lay out was as factorial completely randomized experiment design, with three replicates and 12 cuttings per replication. The callusing and rooting percentage, number of roots, length of roots, fresh and dry weight of roots and number of leaf orders on cuttings were recorded after 6 months. Rooting percentage significantly improved by zinc sulphate spraying compared to control. Treatment of cutting by IBA and zinc sulphate had significant effect on rooting efficiency. Higher number of roots, rooting percentage, fresh and dry weight of roots was obtained at 6000 mg l-1 IBA+ 5000 mg l-1 ZnSO4, compared to other treatments. The highest concentration of IBA (9000 mg l-1) had the lowest effect on rooting percentage (33.33%), while 55.6% rooting was recorded in cuttings treated with 3000 mg l-1 IBA.