Performance of different methods of vegetative propagation in kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa)

Cuttings prepared from the middle portion of the current season growth in the active growth stage (summer cuttings) and the dormant stage (winter cuttings) when treated with 4000 ppm IBA, resulted in increased rooting percentage and the number of roots per cutting. Among the cultivars, Abbott and Allison responded significantly better to the IBA treatments while, Tomuri (male cultivar) gave the least response in respect of per cent rooted cuttings and the roots per cutting. Cuttings prepared at the active growth stage (July–August) gave better results than those prepared in the dormant season. Cultivar Hayward though gave poor rooting response in semi-hardwood cuttings but for its hardwood cuttings the results were found otherwise, When planted in the field under partial shade. Cuttings planted without shade failed to survive. Hardwood cuttings planted in the mist unit resulted in the similar response as that of cuttings planted in the field under partial shade. Kiwi can also be propagated with equal success through simple layering in summer and winter season with the additional effect of IBA and the root growth was observed much better in layered shoots than the cuttings. Grafting on seedling rootstocks in the month of January–February and the chip budding in March resulted in 90–95 per cent success.