Effect of Indole-3-Butyric Acid (IBA) on Performance of Mulberry (Morus alba L.) Saplings: A Review

The Mulberry (Morus sp.), is the food for silkworm and is of great importance to sericulture industry. It can be propagated by seeds, cuttings, budding and grafting. Propagation by cuttings has distinct advantages over the other methods due to high survival rate and quick establishment. By considering the importance of indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) in mulberry establishment, a review article has been formulated consisting of effect of IBA application on mulberry shoot and root parameters. The review of literature found that, the amount of use of IBA is considered as important by most of the researchers considering its role in root formation, increasing the root number and helps in mobilization of carbohydrates for root growth. Being an important crop for sericulture, the IBA application has significant economic impacts. This can be seen from increase in survival rate, number of leaves, length of shoot and rooting percentage of mulberry saplings.