Standardization of pomegranate propagation by cutting under mist system in hot arid region

The treatments comprised of two types of cutting, i.e. hardwood and semi-hardwood; five concentrations of IBA, i.e. 50, 100, 200 as prolonged dip and 2,500 and 5,000 ppm as quick dip (5 min.) as well as water dip planted at monthly intervals from January to December. Pomegranate cultivar Jalore Seedless can be propagated both by hardwood and semi-hardwood cuttings under mist system though the better success was obtained with semihardwood cutting. Among various concentrations of IBA, 2,500 ppm has given best response in term of rooting and number of roots/shoot in semi-hardwood cutting but the same treatment did not make any impact with hardwood cutting regarding percentage rooting. Appreciable response with respect to rooting was also recorded in control during July in both types of cutting indicating that microclimatic conditions have marked influence on rooting than exogenous application of IBA. The number of roots/shoot was maximum at 2500 ppm in both type of cutting but length of roots reduced with increasing concentrations of IBA. July followed by August and September was the best months for planting of cutting. From this investigation, it is concluded that July is the best time for planting of cutting under mist system by using both semi-hardwood and hardwood cuttings after treating with 2,500 ppm IBA. This treatment (IBA 2,500 ppm) also induces fibrous root system, which is essential for better establishment of plants under field conditions.