Epicotyl grafting: A new vegetative propagation method in walnut under field conditions of Kashmir valley

Abstract

Epicotyl grafting in walnut (Juglans regia L.) under field conditions of Kashmir valley was undertaken at Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir during 2011 and 2012. Four grafting heights (0, 2, 4 and 6 cm) on three rootstock ages (15, 30, and 45-day-old) using scionwood of walnut terminal and basal portion of one-year-old scion wood of Wussan Selection was evaluated in completely randomized block design (CRD) having 24 treatment combinations and three replications. Grafting at height of point of attachment of cotyledons produced the maximum scion take (68.88%) and scion sprouting (41.12%) respectively, whereas at 6 cm grafting height minimum scion take (51.73) and scion sprouting (18.10%) respectively. Correlation between grafting height × rootstock age was statistically significant. Interaction between point of attachment of cotyledons × 15-day-old rootstock showed higher scion take (67.70%) and scion sprouting (38.95%) respectively in comparison to other treatment combinations, whereas minimum scion take (46.41%) and scion sprouting (13.45%) was observed in 6 cm × 45-day-old rootstocks using basal portion of scion wood. Vegetative growth, viz. scion growth (cm), plant height (cm), leaflet size (cm2), number of leaves, and stem diameter (mm) were the similarly influenced. The resrarch findings indicate that walnut epicotyl grafting could be economically viable vegetative propagation method in Kashmir valley. Grafting at the point of attachment of cotyledons on 15-day-old rootstock is feasible method for mass propagation of walnut.