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January 29, 2025 | New Zealand Journal of Crop and Horticultural Science |

Researchers from Punjab Agricultural University, India, conducted a study to evaluate the effectiveness of different concentrations of indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) and cutting lengths on the propagation of dragon fruit. The experiment was conducted over two seasons (March and July 2022) to assess optimal conditions for shoot and root development.

The study found that 30 cm cuttings treated with 1000 ppm IBA had the earliest shoot emergence (14.8 days in March) and the highest shoot production, with 3.2 shoots per cutting in March and 2.8 in July. This treatment also resulted in the highest shoot fresh (222.7 g) and dry weights (66.8 g). Root growth parameters were similarly enhanced, with treated 30 cm cuttings producing an average of 26.8 roots, root fresh weight of 6.8 g, dry weight of 1.9 g, and root length of 24.8 cm.

Additionally, treated cuttings exhibited higher chlorophyll content (6.4 mg/g), increased levels of auxin (IAA at 0.5 µg/ml) and gibberellic acid (GA3 at 13.5 µg/ml), and elevated peroxidase activity with reduced IAA oxidase levels. Phenolic content (1.3 mg/g FW) and carbohydrate levels (41.9%) were also elevated, promoting rooting success. The highest success rate (93.7%) was observed in 1000 ppm IBA-treated 30 cm cuttings in March, indicating its effectiveness in promoting dragon fruit propagation.

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