IBA Treatment of Poplar Cuttings and Soil Composition Amendment for Improved Adaptability and Survival

Abstract

Poplar trees from the Salicaceae family over the years have been utilized for various reasons which include prevention of deforestation as well as phytoremediation. This study aims to determine the optimal pre-treatment and soil conditions required for propagation of poplar cuttings for increased initial adaptability and survival rate. Five poplar clones (Hanan, 110, 107, DN-34, 52-225) were selected for IBA, soil composition treatments on propagation. IBA pre-treatment of cuttings were utilized 0, 10, and 100 mg l-1 concentrations. Soil compositions were amended with TKS-2+perlite 2:1 (v:v) and sandy clay loam mixed with artificial soil. According to the greenhouse results 10 mg l-1 of IBA showed a significant increase in plant height whereas 100 mg l-1 inhibited plant growth except in clone 110. Soil composition severely affected root growth and hence overall growth of the clones. Sandy clay loam soil had poor to stunted growth compared to TKS-2+perlite.