Resource Book on Horticulture Nursery Management

usually low for easy rooting species and higher for difficult to root species. The
nurserymen rarely use this method. However, it is very useful for difficult to root
species, where some materials like vitamins, sugars and nitrogenous compounds are
also used along with the growth regulators for facilitating rooting in such species.
2. Quick Dip Method
The method is an improved version of the previous methods. It is very effective
method of treating cuttings with growth regulating chemicals. It is followed by most
of the plant propagators for raising plants through cuttings. In this method, the basal
ends of cutting are dipped in the concentrated solutions of a hormone for a short
time, usually for 5 seconds to 2 minutes. The treated cuttings are then planted in the
nursery or field for rooting. The concentration of hormone for quick dip method
ranges between 500 ppm and 10,000 ppm, depending on the species and type of the
cuttings. Usually a concentration of 4,000 to 5,000 ppm is used for the purpose.
Higher concentrations may cause injury to the cuttings and thus should be avoided.
Dipping of Cuttings in IBA Solution
3. Powder Dip Method
In this method, the basal ends of freshly prepared cuttings are dipped in the carrier
based hormonal powder for some time. After treating the cuttings, extra powder
adhering to the cuttings should be removed by shaking. Cuttings are immediately
inserted in the rooting medium. Seradix, a popular formulation is used by the
nurserymen in this method. For effective rooting, the cut ends of the cuttings should
be moistened before the treatment. At the same time, the excess of powder should be
removed to avoid adverse effects on the rooting process.
4. Spray Method
Spraying of growth regulators is sometimes done to the mother plants before taking
cuttings from them. Spraying of stock plants with CCC/Ethepon in concentration
ranging from 500 ppm to 1000 ppm is sprayed 30 to 40 days before taking cuttings
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