Preliminary Studies on Semi-Hardwood Grafting Technique in Apple under Polyhouse Condition in Mid Hill Area of Himachal Pradesh

A study was carried during 2012-13 at Palampur to investigate the possibilities of semi-hardwood grafting technique in apple under polyhouse. The tongue grafting was performed on four different dates (September 11, 18, 25 and 29, 2012). A success rate of 93.33 to 100% with proper callusing and healing of graft unions was achieved. Among different grafting dates, the plants grafted on September 11 attained the maximum height (25.10 cm) with lateral branching of 2.67 laterals/plant. The minimum plant height of 14.50 cm was recorded in plants grafted on September, 29. Similarly, total number of leaves, dry and fresh weight and chlorophyll content were also more in plants grafted on September 11. This technique needs to be investigated in apple and other temperate fruit plants under polyhouse condition for quick multiplication and reducing nursery production duration.