Hormonal Regulation and Environmental Synergy in Mulberry Propagation: A Review of Auxin Concentrations, Timing, and Cutting Responses
Keywords:
Adventitious root formation, Auxin environment interaction, Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA), Micropropagation, Naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), Morus alba, Vegetative propagationAbstract
This review evaluates the effect of rooting hormones, cutting practices, and environmental factors in improving mulberry (Morus spp.) propagation. A systematic synthesis of published literature from 1990 to 2025 was conducted, focusing on experimental studies that employed auxins such as indole-3-butyric acid (IBA), indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), naphthalene acetic acid (NAA), and related regulators in stem cuttings and nodal explants. Evidence shows that IBA consistently outperforms other auxins, with intermediate concentrations (1000–3000 ppm) producing optimal rooting and shoot growth. Rooting success is strongly influenced by the type of cutting, the quality of the substrate, and controlled environmental conditions such as humidity and temperature. Nutrient-rich substrates, such as vermicompost, can further enhance the effectiveness of rooting hormones and support the development of healthy roots. Micropropagation using nodal explants complements conventional cutting methods by enabling rapid clonal multiplication, genetic fidelity, and conservation of elite genotypes, with benzyl adenine (BA) promoting shoot proliferation and IBA enhancing root induction. Overall, findings highlight that mulberry propagation is most effective when hormone regulation is balanced with appropriate cutting practices and favorable environmental conditions. Integrating conventional cutting-based methods with micropropagation offers practical and sustainable strategies to strengthen mulberry cultivation and support sericulture.
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