Studies on the effect of girdling, etiolation and auxins on rooting of olive (Olea europaea L) cuttings

An experiment was conducted during summer to find out the effect of girdling, etiolation and auxins viz IBA and NAA on rooting of semi-hardwood cuttings of olive cv Leccino under mist. The experiment comprised of 13 treatments and was combinations of girdling, etiolation and auxins. The results indicated that the best rooting characteristics viz highest per cent rooted cuttings, number of primary and secondary roots and diameter were maximum with IBA at 4000 ppm whereas the maximum root length (primary and secondary) was recorded with girdling + IBA 3000 ppm + NAA 4000 ppm. Regarding the shoot characteristics viz plant height, plant diameter, number of leaves, leaf area and fresh and dry weight of roots were also highest in the treatment IBA @ 4000 ppm. Survival percentage of cuttings was also highest in cuttings treated with IBA @ 4000 ppm. It is concluded that IBA at 4000 ppm was the best treatment for propagation of olive semi-hardwood cuttings in summer.