The Cashew tree is usually propagated by seed since vegetative multiplication has not been fully satisfactory. In this work the effects of etiolation and AIB on air layered branches of the cashew tree were studied. Previous to airlayering procedure, the branches were etiolated during 30 days. The AIB was applied when the bark of the stem was cut. After 30 days the layers were removed from the parent plant at which roots stage were observed through the transparent bag. The rooted layers were planted in polyethylene bags and placed in a greenhouse under an intermitent-mist water spray condition. The results show that the previous etiolation and application of AIB to the exposed wound were beneficial to increase rooting and survival of cashew air layers.
cashew; vegetative propagation; airlayering; growth substance