Bench grafting in ber (Zizyplzus spp)*

Abstract

An experiment on bench grafting in ber was conducted in 2004 at National Research Centre for Agroforestry, Jhansi using Z. mauritiana Lamk. and 2. numrnularia (Burm. f.) Wight and Am. as rootstock anddormant andactively growing scion shoots. The results indicated maximum success of bench grafting (87.5%) with dormant scion shoots onZ. mauritiana followedby Z. nummulnria (10.0%). Active growthscion gave poor success of grafting. Faster growth of scion shoots was recorded on Z. nzauritiana than on Z. izummularia. Bench grafting in ber is recommended during summer season (May) using dormant scion of desired variety. Observations on graft take should be recorded after 7 days of grafting while graft success after 45 days of grafting or 15 days after cap cutting. The technique is time savy, uses pruned material as scion and ensures availability of establishment friendly plants on time on account of potted plant.