Vegetative propagation techniques of fruit crops through cuttings – A review

AbstractThis review article summarizes the current knowledge on vegetative propagation of fruit crops through stem cuttings, highlighting the key factors influencing rooting success. Successful propagation of fruit crops through stem cuttings depends on multiple factors, including the physiological status of the mother plant, type and length of cutting, planting season, temperature, rooting media and hormonal treatments. Among these, the timing of planting, the choice of rooting media and the application of synthetic auxins such as indole butyric acid (IBA) are particularly critical for rooting success. Various studies have demonstrated that IBA enhances root initiation, increases root number and quality and promotes shoot growth across diverse fruit species. Rooting media such as soil, sand, cocopeat, perlite, vermiculite and vermicompost provide physical support, aeration, water retention and nutrient availability, which significantly influence rooting and shooting parameters. Hardwood cuttings of pomegranate, lemon, fig, phalsa and other fruit crops showed improved sprouting, survival, plant height, shoot and root biomass and root characteristics when treated with appropriate concentrations of IBA and planted in optimal media. Early planting, particularly during February-March, further enhanced rooting due to higher carbohydrate accumulation. Overall, integrating suitable rooting hormones with well-structured media can substantially improve the vegetative propagation of fruit crops, contributing to higher success rates and uniform plant growth.