Impact of PGRs and Biofertilizers on shoot development in Mulberry (Morus alba L.) cuttings under Shade Net conditions

Abstract

Abstract The aim of the study is to determine the effect of PGRs, and biofertilizers on the shoot growth performance of mulberry cuttings under shade net house conditions. The experiment was to check the effect of auxins, cytokinin, and biofertilizers on the shoot parameters of the cuttings. Auxins were applied in the form of IBA (Indole-3-butyric acid) and NAA (Naphthalene acetic acid), cytokinin in the form of Kinetin, while biofertilizers in the form of Mycorrhiza and PSB (Phosphorus Solubilizing Bacteria). The control treatment was given with distilled water. Based on the experimental variant, the treatment was given by the quick dip method of the PGRs application during planting. The result showed that the combination of IBA + NAA (1000ppm + 1000ppm) was the most effective treatment on the early sprouting (4.33 DAP), the higher number of leaves per cuttings (21.67), the diameter of the shoot (3.74mm), length of the shoot (31.67cm) and leaves (13.58cm), leaf area (41.35cm2), fresh (53.73g) and dry (12.16g) weight, and shooting percentage (86.66%), while the maximum Survival percentage (93.33%) under the IBA (1000ppm) and high mortality rate were observed under control followed by IBA + Kinetin (1000ppm + 200ppm) treatment. Additionally, regarded with Biofertilizers, the highest shoot growth was observed under the Mycorrhiza (@500g/L) followed by PSB (@500g/L) of the most parameter as compared with control. Thus, the proportional combination of Auxins and the application of biofertilizers stimulates and might be a greater source for the vegetative growth of the mulberry cuttings.