Standardization of time for wedge grafting in mango under sub-mountainous region of Punjab

Mango plants are propagated by sexual and asexual methods; however, for true-to-type production of the commercial varieties/genotypes various asexual propagation methods are recommended, viz., grafting, cutting, layering and budding in the world. Among these asexual methods, various grafting techniques are being used to raise the mango seedlings under diverse agro climatic conditions. Veneer grafting technique is being adopted substantially due to high rate of success under North Indian conditions. Apart from veneer grafting, wedge grafting is the easiest and rapid method of mango propagation and it is effectively used for a large scale multiplication of mango grafted seedlings throughout the country. the studies were investigated to assess the best suitable time for wedge grafting procedure to produce healthy saleable plants in the shortest time span. Grafting was performed at different time intervals starting from the month of June to October at significant intervals of fifteen days. Mango desi seedlings grafted between end-July to end-August took 14-20 days to sprout, showed maximum bud intake success, survival of scion (%), plant height and number of leaves/seedling to the tune of 80.3-90.0 %, 83.3-91.6 %, 56.2-59.6 cm and 18.3-19.6, respectively. Among different cultivars i.e. Dashehari, Langra, Amrapali, Mallika, Alphonso, Chausa, GN-6 and GN-19, Dashehari responded better and bud intake success, survival of scion percentage, plant height and number of leaves were ranged from 50.8 to 87.0 %, 48.6 to 89.6%, 40.4 to 58.8 cm and 14.4 to 18.9, respectively. The present studies signifies, wedge grafting performed from end July to end August is economical viable and is easier method for propagation of mango plants under sub mountane zone of North India.