Abstract

A detailed study is reported of the successful vegetative propagation of these two commercially important species by induction of rooting in culm cuttings, taken from 2-3 yr old culms of natural clumps in Kerala. Of the 5 growth regulators used (IAA, NAA, IBA, coumarin and boric acid, each at 10 and 100 p.p.m.), 100 p.p.m. IBA and NAA were found best for B. arundinacea cuttings taken in Mar., while 100 p.p.m. NAA was best for D. strictus cuttings taken in Feb. -Mar. Percent rooting, number and length of roots, and number and height of sprouts were all significantly influenced by growth regulators, a month of treatment and planting of cuttings. Generally, summer months (Feb. to May) were the best for obtaining high sprouting and rooting responses in these species