Large Scale Multiplication of Casuarina junghuhniana Miq. Clonal Plants through Mini-cutting Technique

The modern concept of meeting the customer’s requirements in better products at low costs in a sustainable manner is possible only through innovative methods. The nodal cutting technique is the most widely used method for large scale propagation of Casuarina, Eucalyptus and other pulpwood species in India. Tamil Nadu Newsprint and Papers Limited (TNPL) has started large scale multiplication of Casuarina junghuhniana Miq. using mini-cutting technique from indoor clonal mini hedges raised in sand beds. When compared to stem/nodal cuttings, indoor clonal mini hedges raised in sand beds improve the rooting potential, quality of root systems and are time- and cost-saving. The productivity of cuttings is increased five times in indoor clonal hedge orchard than conventional stem/nodal cutting. The rooting percentage also improved to 90% without rooting hormone whereas the same is only 50% in stem cutting. The plant developed through mini-cutting technique has more lateral root system which helps the plants/trees to withstand during heavy winds. Replacing such stump derived stock plants by intensively managing indoor sand bed clonal mini hedges resulted in a noticeable enhancement of cutting capacity for adventitious rooting as well as the overall quality of the plants produced in much shorter period with easier and cheaper maintenance. The study reveals that mini-cutting method is ideal propagation technique for large scale propagation of C. junghuhniana clones in India.