Geographical variation in rooting ability of stem cuttings of Azadirachta indica and Dalbergia sissoo

Geographical variations are among the least studied factors that control or modify rooting by cuttings. In the present study 1 year old branch cuttings of 12 provenances from Central India of Azadirachta indica and Dalbergia sissoo were examined for variation in rooting ability. Application of 500 mg/l-1 indole butyric acid (IBA) significantly increased (P < 0.05) root numbers, root length, root dry weight, rooting percentage, shoot number and shoot height. The auxin treatment amplified the provenance differences in rooting ability of cuttings. No significant variation in survival was evident with respect to provenance or auxin treatment. Correlation coefficients for root parameters were positive and significant (P < 0.01) and results of principal component analysis identified rooting factor having 52.3 and 46.7% of the total sub-plot mean variance among auxin treated cuttings for A. indica and D. sissoo, respectively. On the basis of overall performance of rooting in cuttings among provenances, the Raipur provenance was adjudged the best. Opportunities to develop genetically diverse clonal production stands are discussed.