Authors: R. K. Patel, N. A. Deshmukh, Bidyut C. Deka and P. Lyngdoh
Division of Horticulture ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region Umiam- 793103, Meghalaya, India
Amongst citrus, Khasi mandarin (Citrus reticulata Blanco.) is one of the most popular and commercially grown mandarin cultivar in North Eastern India. T Budding is a commercial method of multiplication in mandarins. But budding success on Khasi mandarin under mid hill conditions (990 msl) is very low (<50%); therefore, soft wood grafting may be used as an alternative method for raising the quality planting material of Khasi mandarin.
Khasi Mandarin Oranges
Types of grafting:
Soft wood grafting should be done in July to August.
1. Selection of mother plant: Mother plant of 10 to 15 years of age having good health, regular bearing and consistently high yield with good quality fruits should be selected.
2. Selection of scion stick: Proper selection and preparation of scion stick is very important for higher success. Previous season 3 to 4 months old shoot of 2 to 4 mm thick with 3 to 4 healthy buds of 8 to 10 cm (short inter nodal length) long round shape is used for grafting. Selected scion shoots are defoliated on mother plant, about 7 to 10 days prior to detaching. The leaves of selected scion should be cut off leaving a stub of the petiole, which helps in forcing the dormant buds to swell.
3. Preparation of rootstock: Rootstock seedlings of 6 to 7 months old (Rough lemon, Rangpur lime) is headed back about 7.5 to 10 cm above the ground level. The leaves of rootstock should also be removed, leaving 2 to 3 leaves on lower side of rootstock before grafting. The beheaded rootstock is split to about 1.5 to 2 cm deep through the center of stem with grafting knife.
4. Preparation of scion stick: A wedge shaped cut, slanting from both the sides (1.5 to 2 cm long) is made on the lower side of the scion stick.
Process of grafting:-
The scion stick is inserted into the split of the stock and pressed properly so that cambium tissues of rootstock and scion stick should come in contact with each other. The union is then tied with the help of 150 gage polythene strip. Immediately after grafting, the graft is covered by 2x5 cm long white polythene cap. The scion starts sprouting after 20 to 25 days, which is visible from outside. The cap is removed after 35 days in the evening hours or grafts should be kept inside the poly-house to ensure more grafting success, early sprouting and better growth as compared to open and net house conditions.
References
1. Dubey, A.K., Yadav, D.S. and Patel, R.K. (2002). Studies on the softwood grafting in Khasi mandarin (Citrus reticulata Blanco.). Indian J. Citriculture. 1 (2): 109-112.
2. Patel, R.K., Babu, K.D., Singh, A., Yadav, D.S. and De, L.C. (2007). Soft wood grafting in mandarin (C. reticulata Blanco.) A Noval vegetative propagation technique. International J. of Fruit Sci. 7 (2): 31-41.
3. Image source Nagaland Post, SOHRA (MEGHALAYA), DEC 23 (IANS)
About Author / Additional Info:
Dr. N. A. Deshmukh works as a Scientist, Division of Horticulture, ICAR (RC) for NEH Region