Influence of plant growth regulators on propagation techniques of fruit crops: A comprehensive review

Abstract:

Fruit crop propagation is a critical component of sustainable agriculture, influencing global food security and economic stability. Traditional propagation methods, including seed propagation, grafting, and cutting techniques, often face challenges such as low success rates, prolonged juvenile phases, and vulnerability to environmental stressors. The integration of plant growth regulators (PGRs) offers a promising solution to enhance propagation efficiency and sustainability. PGRs, including auxins, cytokinins, gibberellins, and abscisic acid, play a pivotal role in modulating plant growth, stimulating root and shoot development, and improving overall crop resilience. Auxins, such as indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) and naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), significantly enhance root induction in cuttings, promoting uniform and rapid establishment. Cytokinins contribute to enhanced shoot proliferation in micropropagation techniques, enabling mass production of disease-free planting material. Additionally, gibberellins facilitate seed germination and seedling vigor, expediting the propagation cycle. Integrating these PGRs with modern biotechnological tools, such as tissue culture and hydroponics, further optimizes propagation outcomes while minimizing environmental impact. The application of PGRs in fruit crop propagation supports sustainable agricultural practices by reducing dependency on chemical inputs, increasing propagation efficiency, and mitigating the effects of climate change. This review highlights the role of PGRs in accelerating fruit crop propagation and discusses their potential in fostering resilient and high-yielding cultivars. Advancing research in this domain is essential for developing eco-friendly, cost-effective, and scalable propagation strategies, ensuring food security for future generations.