Vol. 12, Issue 8 (2023)

Author(s):
Maanik, DeepJi Bhat, Rakesh Kumar, Reetika Sharma, Shipra Gupta, Ashima Choudhary, Nikhil Thakur and Tamanna Sharma

Abstract:
An investigation was conducted at the Research Farm of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu, focusing on the propagation of karonda (Carissa carandas L.) in the sub-tropical region of Jammu. The study, carried out during 2018-2019, aimed to assess the effects of different treatments on the growth and development of karonda stem cuttings, with a particular emphasis on the economic aspects. The stem cuttings were subjected to various concentrations of indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) and sucrose, both individually and in combination, along with a control group. These cuttings were then planted in three different rooting media: soil: sand: farmyard manure (FYM) mixture, vermiculite, and cocopeat. The results of the study showed that the cuttings treated with IBA at 8000 ppm and sucrose at 4% and planted in vermiculite exhibited the most favorable outcomes. These cuttings showed the shortest time to first sprouting (9.5 days after planting), along with significant improvements in various growth parameters such as shoot length, shoot diameter, leaf characteristics, root development, and survival percentage. In contrast, the untreated cuttings planted in the soil: sand: FYM mixture showed delayed sprouting and inferior growth performance. Furthermore, the economic analysis revealed that the highest net returns were obtained from the cuttings planted in a sand: soil: FYM mixture. However, the other two media, vermiculite and cocopeat, resulted in negative net returns. Among all treatments, the cuttings treated with 4% sucrose and planted in the sand: soil: FYM mixture showed the highest net returns of Rs. 407, with a favorable benefit-cost ratio of 1:3.42. In conclusion, the investigation indicated that treating karonda cuttings with IBA at 8000 ppm and 4% sucrose, and planting them in vermiculite, yielded superior results in terms of growth parameters and time to first sprouting. Moreover, the economic analysis highlighted the profitability of using the sand: soil: FYM mixture for planting karonda cuttings, particularly when combined with sucrose treatment. These findings contribute valuable insights for propagating karonda in the sub-tropical region of Jammu and optimizing the economic returns of karonda cultivation.