EFFECT OF ROOTSTOCK AND METHOD OF GRAFTING ON THE SUCCESS AND GROWTH OF SWEET ORANGE (MALTA)

Abstract

The experiment was conducted at the nursery of Hill Agricultural Research Station, Khagrachari from 14 August 2009 to February 2010 to find out the effect of rootstock and method of grafting on the success and growth of sweet orange (Malta). The experiment consisted of two factors. Factor A: Four rootstocks: R1: Rangpur lime; R2: Rough lemon; R3: Kalamansi and Ra: Pummelo. Factor B: Three methods of grafting: G1: Cleft grafting; G2: Veneer grafting and G3: Splice grafting. The two-factor experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. In case of rootstock the highest percentage of graft success (86.3%) was found from Ri, while the lowest (81.9%) was obtained from R3. The highest percentage of graft survivability (77.3%) was recorded from R2 and Rt, while the lowest (7 5 .1 % ) was observed from R3• In case of grafting the highest percentage of graft success (91.1%) was found from G1 and the lowest (76.7%) was found from 03• The highest percentage of graft survivability (83.0%) was found from 01 and the lowest (68.8%) was found from G3. For combined effect the highest percentage of graft success (94.2%) was observed from R2G1, whereas the lowest (74.2%) was recorded from R2G3• The highest percentage of graft survivability (87%) was observed from ~G1, whereas the lowest (66.0%) was recorded from R2G3• So, cleft grafting in rough lemon was found suitable for propagation of sweet orange.