An Investigation into the Effects of Varying Seasons, Indole-3-Butyric Acid (IBA) and Rooting Media on the Rooting and Longevity of Air-layered Water Apples (Syzygium samarangense L.)

The variation observed in sexual propagation often results in slow growth and fruit development, attributed partly to insufficient photosynthates during early growth stages. To address this challenge, vegetative propagation methods such as air layering offer promising solutions. This technique not only accelerates productivity but also enhances the quality of water apples. Recognizing the importance of air layering in water apple cultivation, this experiment was conducted to standardize this technique by examining the impact of different seasons and planting media in the western tropical wet and dry climate of Tamil Nadu.

The study was conducted to evaluate the variables affecting air layering in water apples in Coimbatore district. The experiment was carried out with three different factors like seasons [August (S₁), September (S₂) and October (S₃)] and IBA [applied at different concentrations of 2000 mg/L (I₁), 3000 mg/L (I₂) and 4000 mg/L (I₃)] along with different rooting media: Cocopeat (M₁) and Sphagnum moss (M₂). The factorial randomized complete block design (FRCBD) was laid out for statistical analysis.

Sphagnum moss performed as a better rooting medium due to its high water holding capacity and good aeration. Increase in the number and early formation of roots were due to more rain fall and high relative humidity in August, that resulted in more nutrient uptake and structural stability. The discovery aids in determining the optimal conditions, including season, dosage and combination (4000 mg/L IBA with sphagnum moss applied in August), for successful air layering in water apple.