Containerised nursery systems: An efficient technique for the production of quality planting material in Khasi Mandarin

Abstract

Khasi Mandarin is a valuable commercial fruit of the NEH region, India. The fruits are of premium quality and have a distinctive taste and flavour due to the ideal agro-ecological conditions in the area. The demand for citrus fruits is rising, offering great potential for future expansion. However, the productivity of this crop is only half the national average (10.36 t/ha). The lack of certified citrus quality planting materials (CQPM) can be a major constraint hindering the expansion of area and the commercial production of Khasi Mandarin. Furthermore, poor-quality propagules are vulnerable to many pathogens, which can be transmitted both through grafting and vectors. It is crucial to adopt containerised nursery systems (CNS), efficient methods of propagation and nursery management, pathogen detection and elimination, and an effective regulatory framework through the accreditation and certification of stocks. Furthermore, the shortage of CQPM can be addressed by doubling the windows of operations, i.e. during January-February through budding and July-August via wedge grafting. Therefore, strictly adopting a protocol and efficiency techniques may assist in producing the highest horticulturally superior and pathogen-free plants as the most strategic means for the success of the citriculture industry in the region.