Effect of IBA on Seed Germination, Sprouting and Rooting in Cuttings for Mass Propagation of Jatropha Curcus L Strain DARL-2

Recalcitrant nature and short term viability of seed, limit the mass propagation through seed in an important biofuel plant Jatropha curcas. Therefore, feasibility of mass propagation was assessed through hormone (IBA) induced sprouting and rooting in popular Jatropha strain DARL-2. For one year old seed with reduced viability, IBA treatment of 1.5 mg/l significantly enhanced germination percentage and shortened the time of germination by more than 350% as compared to control. In case of clonal propagation 200mg/l IBA treatment was found to be the best for sprouting and rooting in cuttings taken from basal, middle and top portion of one year old branch. Basal portion of the branch responded best (76.7% sprouting and 72% rooting) to IBA treatment (50 mg/l). Though sprouting and rooting was observed in softwood cuttings at 2.5mg/l IBA treatment but survival rate was poor hence were found unsuitable for mass multiplication. Hard wood cutting followed by semi-hard wood cutting from one year old branch gave the best response. The results suggest application of IBA for enhanced rooting for vegetative propagation of Jatropha and use of basal portion (hard wood cutting) of branch for mass propagation of Jatropha.