Response of PGR and rooting media on number of new sprouts after transplanting of air layering in guava

Abstract

The present study was conducted during 2023-2025 at the Nursery Field of the Department of Fruit Science, KNK College of Horticulture, Mandsaur (Madhya Pradesh). The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design with twelve treatments and three replications, involving different rooting media combinations with two concentrations of indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) at 2000 and 3000 ppm. A total of 1080 air layers were prepared during the first week of August 2024. The results indicated that both rooting media and IBA application significantly influenced post-transplant growth of air-layered guava plants. The maximum number of new sprouts after transplanting (9.73) was recorded in soil + vermicompost treated with IBA @ 2000 ppm, which was significantly superior to the control treatment. Treatments receiving IBA @ 2000 ppm generally performed better than those treated with 3000 ppm, highlighting the effectiveness of moderate auxin concentration. The improved sprouting response under vermicompost-based media may be attributed to enhanced nutrient availability and better root establishment. Overall, the study suggests that the combined application of soil + vermicompost with IBA @ 2000 ppm is most effective for improving survival and early vegetative growth of air-layered guava plants, providing a practical recommendation for nursery propagation of guava cv. L-49.