Effect of grafting time and growing conditions on growth dynamics of ber (Ziziphus mauritiana)

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of grafting time and growing conditions on growth dynamics of ber (Ziziphus mauritiana L) under semi-arid conditions of Hisar, Haryana. The experiment involved wedge grafting of two cultivars, Gola and Umran, at eight different time intervals from the third week of January to the second week of March under open field and polyhouse conditions. The trial was laid out in a randomized block design with three replications. The results revealed that grafting time significantly influenced all growth parameters studied, whereas, growing conditions and cultivars showed variable responses. Grafting during the fourth week of February consistently recorded the highest values for leaf area (1,842.78cm²), chlorophyll ‘a’ (1.004mg/gFW), chlorophyll ‘b’ (0.472mg/gFW), fresh root weight (27.41 g) and dry root weight (15.21 g). In contrast, grafting during the third week of January resulted in the lowest values for most traits. Open field conditions generally performed better than polyhouse conditions in terms of leaf area and chlorophyll content. Among cultivars, Umran exhibited comparatively better vegetative growth, though differences were mostly non-significant. The study highlights that appropriate grafting time plays a crucial role in enhancing physiological efficiency and growth performance in ber. Late February emerged as the most suitable period for grafting under the prevailing agroclimatic conditions.