Variation in Thorn Character within and Among Prosopis species and Vegetative Multiplication of Selected Genotypes

Seven species of Prosopis were screened with respect to their inter- and intra-specific variations in thorn character and their ability to propagate vegetatively by cuttings and air-layering, P. pubescens showed a high frequency (55%) of thorn less plants followed by P. alba (30%), 80% of cuttings and 96% of air-layers of P. pubescens had root induction. None of the plants of P. cineraria and P. tamarugo was found to be thornless, also the cuttings showed poor rooting potential. Taxa were classified as easy to root, moderate and difficult to root. Treatment of cuttings with indole acetic acid improved root induction. The study suggests possibilities of mass multiplication of desirable individuals long before seeds are produced.