Vegetative propagation ofDalbergia sissooRoxb. using softwood and hardwood stem cuttings

Mature hardwood and softwood cuttings ofDalbergia sissooRoxb. were tested for their ability to root. Cuttings were prepared in three different seasons, i.e. spring, monsoon and winter, and treated with different concentrations of auxins (IBA and NAA). These were planted in a mist chamber maintained at 30 ± 2°C. Both types of cuttings rooted during spring and monsoon seasons. Auxins triggered/enhanced rooting of cuttings; NAA (100 mg l−1) and IBA (100 mg l−1) were found to be the most effective. Higher concentrations of auxins, i.e. 500 and 1000 mg l−1of IBA and NAA, in general inhibited or slowed down the rooting ability of cuttings. Auxin appears to trigger both growth and differentiation of roots since auxin-treated cuttings which rooted had a greater number as well as increased length of roots. The starch content of cuttings decreased while proteins and sugars increased with time