Time of Collection, Cutting Ages, Auxin Types and Concentrations Influence Rooting Ficus religiosa L. Stem Cuttings

In many temperate and sub-tropical regions, plants exposed to seasonal changes. Changes in weather affect growth and the ability of stock plants to provide cutting material that forms adventitious roots. Ficus religiosa is widely cultivated in various areas of the world and can be propagated by several techniques namely, by seed or by vegetative methods . However vegetative method of F. religiosa still remains as an experimental procedure, more studies are required to commercialize it. In this study, Semi-hardwood and hardwood cutting were collected in beginning of each season and cuttings were treated with IBA, NAA and 2,4-D at four concentrations (0, 250, 500 and 1000 ppm) for 24 hr. For each treatment, rooting ability and percentage of surviving plants were evaluated at 12 and 24 weeks after planting, respectively. In order to gain knowledge on physiological responses of plant to seasonal changes, Soluble sugar, net CO 2 assimilation and transpiration rate of leaf were measured. Satisfactory rooting of F. religiosa cuttings was observed when collection time occurred in December 20 th , whereas cuttings collected in June showed a limited capacity of rooting in both cuttings. Rooting was more successful when cuttings were soaked in 1000 ppm IBA or 500 ppm NAA. After acclimatization, maximum survival rate of plants was 94.8 %. The current findings confirm that collection times and cutting ages affect F. religiosa rooting. Also auxins can be a useful substance for increasing rooting ability in cuttings.