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Abstract

Representing the genetic diversity of peaches in the indigenous countries, the genetic resources of Pakistan are poorly documented with regard to comparative hardwood cutting responses for efficient propagation of locally adapted germplasm, which is essential for multiplication in peach nurseries and conservation. 13 peach genotypes from Swat Valley were considered under 5 IBA (basal) treatments (0, 2000, 3000, 4000 and 5000 ppm), with individually treatment planted in a separate block. The monthly status of sprouting was recorded as a binary response, air and soil temperatures were measured simultaneously, and shoot and root characteristics were measured. The 6 organogenic traits showed differences in their experimental mean values across IBA treatment groups. The 2000 ppm treatment produced the highest numerical means for shoots (1.34), leaves (5.51), roots (2.75), sub-roots (9.62), root length (8.56 cm) and root fresh weight (1.77 g). Organogenic responses varied among selected peach genotypes, but statistical significance was not measured because each IBA treatment occupied a separate block. The monthly observed sprouting percentages (%) varied among genotypes, IBA treatment groups and months, while these differences were interpreted descriptively. Observed treatment-level sprouting ranged from 7.69–35.38% in Month 1, 33.85–63.08% in Month 2 and 50.77–69.23% in Month 3. In the warmer month of February and March, the numbers of observations of sprouting rose, but did not constitute evidence for temperature causation. The study provides a comparative propagation profile of 13 locally adapted Swat peaches and demonstrates that the concentration of IBA needed to induce early sprouting does not necessarily equate with the concentration required to achieve maximum final root-system development.

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