Vegetative Propagation and Rootstock for Nutmeg: A Review

Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans Houtt.) is an important perennial spices of dioecious nature. Seed propagation leads to segregation into males and females in a ratio of 1:1. The unpredictability of nutmeg sex during the seedling stage drives vegetative propagation, which is the only viable method for commercial multiplication and conservation of elite genotypes. Many vegetative propagation methods like stem cuttings, approach grafting, epicotyl grafting, softwood grafting, patch budding, forket budding, in situ budding, air layering and top working, have been tried in nutmeg with varying degrees of success. Three species viz., M. fragrans, M. beddomei and M. malabarica are widely used as rootstocks for vegetative propagation. Research findings showed that the performance of nutmeg trees budded on self-rootstock (Myristica fragrans) is superior to that of plants budded on wild rootstocks in terms of growth and yield performance, irrespective of location and altitude. In this paper reviewed the nursery activities, propagation methods, establishment of budwood nursery and ideal rootstock for nutmeg. This reviews also guide researchers on the present condition in nutmeg propagation and scope for refinement in the techniques.