Science Letters

Effect of Naphthalene Acetic Acid on Sprouting and Rooting of Stem Cuttings of Grapes

Safeer Ahmed 1, Muhammad Abuzar Jaffar 2*, Nadir Ali 1, Sher Ahemd 3, Muhammad Ramzan 2, Qeasar Habib 2

1 Department of Horticulture, Agriculture College, Quetta, Pakistan

2 Faculty of Agriculture, Lasbela University of Agriculture, Water and Marine Science, Uthal, Balochistan, Pakistan

3 Balochistan Agriculture Research and Development Center, Quetta, Pakistan

Abstract

A field trial was laid to investigate the effect of naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) on sprouting and rooting of stem cuttings of grapes during 2015 at the experimental area of the Horticulture Department, Sindh Agriculture University, Tando Jam, Pakistan. The field trial was laid out in a three replicated completely randomized design (CRD) factorial. The stem cuttings of two varieties of grapes (Thompson seedless and Crimson seedless) about 6 inches in length with 3-4 buds were obtained from three-year-old plants. The basal ends of the cuttings were dipped in NAA solutions viz. 1000, 2000 and 3000 mg/L plus control treatment by the quick dip method for 10 seconds before planting them in the growth medium. The results revealed that all the traits related to sprouting and rooting potential of stem cuttings of grapes were significantly influenced by various NAA concentrations. However, the interaction between varieties and NAA concentrations was observed at par for all sprouting and rooting-related parameters. The maximum mean number of sprouts/cutting (6.33), leaves/cutting (20.50), roots/cutting (95.83) and fresh weight of roots (13.43 g) was achieved in response to NAA2 (1000 mg/L). However, there was no significant effect of NAA was observed for sprouting and rooting percentage. In varietal comparison, Crimson seedless produced significantly higher number of leaves (18.91) and number of roots/cutting (82.25).