STUDIES ON SOFTWOOD GRAFTING IN JAMUN (SYZYGIUM CUMINI SKEELS.)

A study on softwood grafting in jamun (Syzygium cumini Skeels.) was undertaken in the Department of Horticulture, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad during 2006-07. The results revealed that under open conditions, during June less (26.67) days were taken for sprouting; May and November produced the highest (100%) graft success, maximum survival percentage (93.33%) was noticed in May, October and November. Grafting in June recorded a higher number of leaves (12.48) whereas the highest leaf area (34.8 cm2) and sprout length (5.34 cm) were recorded in May. Under controlled conditions, during January, minimum (16.60) days were taken for sprouting, October, November and December produced the highest (100%) graft take and survival percentage. Among different environments, under open conditions, November and May produced the highest graft success (100%) while the maximum survival percentage (93.33%) was noticed during October, November and May. A higher number of leaves (12.48) was recorded in June, the highest leaf area (34.8 cm2) and sprout length (5.34 cm) were observed in May. Under controlled conditions, January took the minimum days for sprouting (16.60), October, November and December produced the highest graft take (100%) and survival percentage. Among differently aged rootstocks, under open conditions, the least number of days (26.67) was taken for sprouting and a higher number of leaves (12.48) were produced with 14-months-old rootstocks. The highest graft take was observed in 7- and 13-months-old rootstocks. The maximum survival percentage (93.33) was recorded in 6-, 7- and 13-months-old rootstock. Six-, 7- and 8-months-old rootstocks showed the highest graft take and survival percentage (100%). The maximum number of leaves and leaf area (12.52 and 36.34 cm2, respectively) were recorded in 14-months-old rootstock. Higher sprout length was recorded in 13-months-old rootstocks.