Growth Response of West Indian Cherry (Malpighia glabra L.) to Various Cutting Types, Monthly Variations and IBA Treatments

Background: The West Indian Cherry, a tropical fruit crop, is notable for its exceptionally high vitamin C content. While it can be propagated through seeds, the germination rate is relatively low. Therefore, efforts were made to propagate it using stem cuttings, a popular method of vegetative propagation due to its rapidity, simplicity and cost-effectiveness. Methods: Experiments were conducted from June to September using different concentrations of Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) (1500 ppm, 2500 ppm and a control) on two types of cuttings: softwood and semi-hardwood. Result: The best rooting and shooting results were observed with semi-hardwood cuttings treated with 1500 ppm IBA during the first fortnight of August. This method is recommended for nurseries and farmers to achieve faster and more successful propagation of the West Indian Cherry.