Factors Affecting Rooting Potential in Stem Cuttings of Ailanthus excelsa Roxb.

摘要

Ailanthus excelsa (Ardu, Maharukha) the Indian Tree of Heaven, is a fast growing multipurpose tree species. The tree is native to India and Sri Lanka, but is now being spread to other semi-arid and subtropical areas. Ailanthus excelsa is one of the important tree species in Rajasthan and Gujarat states. It yields fodder twice a year which is highly palatable and nutritive (Lavhale and Mishra, 2007). Due to soft nature of wood it is highly susceptible to insect attack. But even then, it is in high demand in plywood industries for making boxes, crates, poles, fishing floats, tool handles and drums. Match industries give top priority to this species. Bark, gum and the bitter aromatic leaves are used medicinally in home remedies (Polonsky, 1973; Jain, 1994; Kirtikarand Basu, 1995). Significant amount of total phenolic and flavonoid content was reported recently by Kalaskar et a/., 2019. The tree is grown for shade, avenue and shelterbelts due to fast growth and adaptability to high density planting. Therefore, it an attractive species to farmers for substantial revenue and availability of ready market.