International Journal of Agriculture Extension and Social Development

author(s)
Elavarasan M, CR Monikha, M Balasubramaniam and Sukumar J

abstract
A field experiment was undertaken at ICAR – Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Tenkasi, during 2022–2023 to evaluate the performance of different mango (Mangifera indica L.) scion cultivars grafted onto the Alphonso rootstock under controlled nursery conditions. The study aimed to identify a superior scion variety that performs best in terms of graft success, survival rate, and early vegetative growth when grafted on the Alphonso rootstock. The experiment was conducted using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) comprising six treatments with three replications. Softwood grafting was carried out towards the end of August using six commercially popular scion varieties—Banganapalli, Bangalora, Neelum, Sindhura, Mallika, and Imam Pasand. The results of the study revealed notable variation among the different scion combinations. The Imam Pasand scion grafts exhibited the earliest bud sprouting (11 days), closely followed by Banganapalli and Neelum. Imam Pasand grafts also recorded the highest grafting success (95.62%) and survival percentage (89.41%), along with superior scion growth (28.55 cm), scion girth (13.44 mm), and number of leaves (17.90). Root development traits, including primary root length (24.22 cm), root diameter (9.50 mm), and number of roots (38.42), were also highest in the Imam Pasand combination. Similarly, fresh and dry weights of both shoots and roots were greatest in Imam Pasand grafts, indicating excellent vegetative vigor and compatibility with the Alphonso rootstock. These findings suggest that Imam Pasand scion grafts are highly compatible with Alphonso rootstock and are best suited for commercial nursery propagation under Tenkasi conditions.