Standardization of grafting methods and time of walnut (Juglans regia L.) in mid hill conditions of poonch under different environmental conditions

Grafting success rate in walnut (Juglans regia L.) is lower than most other fruit species which adversely affects nurseries in India. Studies were made to determine the most successful grafting method and optimum grafting period of walnut in Poonch district of Jammu division (J&K), during two consecutive years 2017 and 2018. Two different methods of grafting vip, wedge and tongue with two different timings vip, 2^nd and 3^rd week of February were carried out under poly house conditions at fruit plant nursery of KVK, Poonch of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu. The same experiment was repeated in field conditions with same methods of grafting but with two different timings viz., 4^th week of February and 1^st week of March. The two years data indicated that under poly house, the maximum grafting success (78.66%) was obtained through wedge method of grafting followed by (76.33%) when performed during 3^rd week of February. The grafting success was comparatively low in case of field conditions. In this case only 38.66 per cent success was obtained through wedge grafting done in 1^st week of March. The higher grafting success in wedge grafting recorded could be due to the favourable temperature and relative humidity at the time of grafting and rapid flow of sap in stock and scion that might have favoured the healing process and established the continuity of cambial and vascular tissues for the graft take. Significant affects were also noticed on shoot length, shoot diameter, number of branches, number of leaves/shoot and percentage o f sealable plants.