Effects of IBA and Cutting Dates on the Rooting Ability of Semi-Hardwood Kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa A.Chev.) Cuttings

The effects of 1 H-indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) and cutting date on the rooting of semi-hardwood cuttings from the kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa A.Chev.) were investigated. In rooting experiments 0, 4, 6 and 8 gl-1 concentrations of the IBA were used and the cuttings were taken on July 23 and August 22, 1999. The results of the study revealed that cuttings taken in July had better rooting ability in terms of main root numbers, the mean length of the longest 5 roots and rooting area. On the other hand, 6 and 8 gl-1 IBA concentrations did not significantly affect rooting ability. Split wounding at the base of the cuttings and dipping them into IBA for 5 and 15 sec did not improve the rooting ability of the cuttings. The rooting levels were between 76.6% and 100% for the first group of cuttings taken on July 23, 1999 and between 26% and 63.3% for the cuttings taken on August 22, 1999. The highest rooting level was obtained from the first group of cuttings which were treated with 8 gl-1 of IBA for 15 sec and not wounded. These yielded the highest rooting percentage of 100%. It can be concluded that cutting date significantly affected rooting ability.