Evaluation and Standardization of Growing Media for Adventitious Root Formation in Lemon (Citrus Limon L.) Through Air Layering Technique

Abstract

The experiment was carried out at the Horticulture Orchard of the Faculty of Agriculture, Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan. The study aimed to evaluate different types of growing media prepared from locally available materials. Since Lemon plants are widely traded in the study area, therefore it was necessary to explore an extended propagation period using air layering and to identify the most suitable material that could provide maximum success in lemon plant production. The growing media evaluated in this study included Cinnamon, Aloe vera, Leaf mold, Farmyard manure and Silt. Parameters studied were root diameter (mm), number of roots, number of root bud, maximum length of root (cm), branches plant^-1, fresh root weight plant^-1 (gm), and dry root weight plant^-1 (gm). Leaf mold and mixture of FYM + silt was found to be the best material for air layering in lemon. Correlation studies revealed that growing media that had high moisture retaining capacity resulted in best root development in the layers.