IJH_2025v15n6

International Journal of Horticulture, 2025, Vol.15, No.6, 279-289 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/ijh 281 125-130 meters above sea level, with geographical coordinates of 26°42’17.4"N latitude and 87°16’43.9"E longitude (Figure 1). The region has a subtropical climate, and during the study period, it received an average rainfall of 481.9 mm. The maximum and minimum recorded temperatures were 38.7 °C and 11 °C, respectively, with moderately high humidity levels that favored the growth and propagation of dragon fruit cuttings. Figure 1 Map of study area 2.2 Plant materials The study utilized Georges white dragon fruit variety, obtained from the Nepal Agricultural Research Council (NARC) located in Tarahara, Sunsari, Nepal. The Georges White dragon fruit is a variety of (Hylocereus undatus), known for its large, oval-shaped fruit with white flesh and a mild, sweet flavor. The fruit typically has pink or red skin with green scales and weighs around 400-700 grams. This variety is prized for its juiciness and refreshing taste, often described as a blend of pear and kiwi. Georges White is also relatively easy to grow, with strong, vigorous vines that produce fruit in about 1-2 years. It's a popular choice among home gardeners and commercial growers for its high yield and attractive appearance. Treatment details are given in Table 1. Table 1 Treatments details along with their doses S. N. Treatments Symbol Doses 1 IBA-7,500 PPM T1 15 g/2L 2 IBA-6,500 PPM T2 13 g/2L 3 NAA-200 PPM T3 0.4 g/2L 4 NAA-400 PPM T4 0.8 g/2L 5 IBA-400 PPM + NAA-200 PPM T5 (0.8+0.4) g/2 L 6 Control T6 - 2.3 Experimental setup and cultural practices The study utilized completely randomized design (CRD) with six different hormonal treatments and four replications. The six different treatments include IBA-7,500 PPM, IBA-6,500 PPM, NAA-200 PPM, NAA-400 PPM, IBA-400 PPM + NAA-200 PPM, and Control group. There were altogether twenty-four study plots each containing 20 polybags. Therefore, there were total 480 polybag filled with sand, soil and FYM in 1:1:1 ratio. Each polythene bag (20 cm long and 11 cm wide) was filled to three-quarters capacity with the soil mixture. Before planting shoot cuttings of dragon fruit in this poly bag, these all cuttings were dipped in the above-mentioned treatments. After these cuttings were treated with these treatments, these cuttings were planted in polybag in their own study plot separately. In the evenings, water was sprayed over the cuttings. After two

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