Influence of Different Planting Dates and Media on Growth of Kiwifruit (Cv. Hayward) Cuttings

A trail was carried out to determine the influence of different planting dates and media on the growth of kiwi (cv. Hayward) cuttings at Agriculture Research Institute (ARI) Mingora Swat, during 2011. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with split plot arrangement in three replications. Planting Dates (20th Jan, 30th Jan, 10th Feb, 20th Feb and 2nd March) were allocated to main plots, whereas soil media (Silt+ Garden soil+ FYM) at the rate of 1:1:1, 2:1:1, 1:2:1 and 1:1:2 were assigned to sub plots. Days to 50% sprouting, survival percentage, number of roots plant^-1 and plant height were significantly affected by planting dates and soil media. Maximum survival percentage (29.16%), number of root plant^-1 (13.31), and plant height (40.42 cm) was recorded for the cuttings planted on 20th Feb. On the other hand minimum days to 50% sprouting (28.49) were recorded for cuttings planted on 2nd March. Significant effect of planting media was observed for most of vegetative stages including rooting attributes of Kiwi (cv. Hayward) cuttings. Maximum survival percentage (22.46%), number of roots plant^-1 (12.65), plant height (40.15 cm) and minimum days to sprouting (44.17) were recorded for the media Silt: Garden soil: FYM at the ratio of 2:1:1 respectively. Kiwi cuttings planted in the month of February showed good results in most of parameters, rather than month of January and March. In case of planting media most of the root and growth parameters were best in (silt: Garden soil: FYM at the ratio of 2:1:1). Based on the result from the experimental work, it is recommended that Kiwi cuttings should be planted in February in soil media with combination of (silt: Garden soil: FYM at the ratio of 2:1:1) for better growth and development under the agro climatic condition of Swat.