Effects of leaf area and auxin on rooting and growth of rooted stem cuttings of neem

Green stem cuttings, obtained from 2-year old managed stockplants, with 30, 50 or 100% leaf area were rooted in a non-mist propagator following treatment with 0, 0.2, 0.4 or 0.8% IBA solution. The rooted cuttings were transferred to polythene pots and grown in a nursery for 12 weeks. Rooting percentages of IBA treated cuttings did not significantly differ from those of control cuttings. Likewise leaf area did not significantly influence the percentage of cuttings that rooted. The effects of leaf area and/or IBA treatment in the propagation unit were manifested on the growth of rooted cuttings in polythene pots. Number of roots increased with the increase in IBA concentration and this response was enhanced by increasing leaf area. Root biomass increased with the increase in leaf area even in the control cuttings. Root development was highly influenced by the leaf area and IBA, and hence the growth of rooted cuttings. Cuttings treated with 0.2 or 0.4% IBA at 100% leaf area yielded the best performing rooted cuttings.