Clonal Forestry

Azadirachta indica

Neem can be successfully propagated by means of hardwood, semi hardwood and softwood cuttings. Summer is the best season for collection of propagules.

a) Hardwood cuttings

1-2 cm diameter hardwood cuttings are collected from healthy vigorously growing branches. The terminal portion of leaves is excised and branches are made into 15-20 cm long cuttings. 1000 ppm of IBA treatment has been given as basal dip. Then the cuttings are planted in nursery beds under 50-60% shade. The per cent of rooting is however, low (Mohinderpal, 1995).

b) Semi Hardwood Cuttings

These cuttings are collected from fresh growth during early morning hours and made into 10-15 cm long cuttings by retaining a pair of leaves near the upper end of the cuttings. 2000 ppm IBA is the best treatment which will give maximum rooting under mist. Rooting is taking place from 6 to 8 weeks.

c) Softwood Cuttings

Shoots from fresh growth flush are collected in the morning and the terminal softwood portions are used for making 4-7 cm long, binodal, leafy cuttings. These cuttings are planted in vermiculture or coarse sand medium and kept in mist chamber condition. The cutting roots with in 4 weeks. This has to be hardened before planting in the main field.