Vegetative Propagation of Cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) by Softwood Grafting in Ghana

Abstract

An investigation was done to assess the graft success on seedlings and canopy substitution using grafting techniques, retention of basal leaves on the rootstock, age of rootstock and period of grafting in a randomize complete block design with twenty plants per treatment and replicated three times. Young vigorously growing cashew seedlings were used for grafting whilst poor performing cashew trees (in yield and young trees) were stumped to produce shoots for the top working. Significantly (p < 0.05) higher grafting success was obtained for softwood grafting technique in the month of July with October recording the lowest for canopy substitution. Grafting on 60 days old seedlings with the retention of four (4) matured basal leaves on the rootstocks significantly (p < 0.05) gave high success in graft union whilst the root stocks without basal leaves recorded low graft successes. However, there was significant (p < 0.05) off-shoots development below the graft union of the rootstock. Softwood grafting was the best technique for high graft success with the month of July being suitable period for grafting in canopy substitution. Retaining four (4) matured leaves at the base of 60 days old rootstock was the best for achieving high graft success with reduction of infection. An investigation was done to assess the graft success on seedlings and canopy substitution using grafting techniques, retention of basal leaves on the rootstock, age of rootstock and period of grafting in a randomize complete block design with twenty plants per treatment and replicated three times. Young vigorously growing cashew seedlings were used for grafting whilst poor performing cashew trees (in yield and young trees) were stumped to produce shoots for the top working. Significantly (p < 0.05) higher grafting success was obtained for softwood grafting technique in the month of July with October recording the lowest for canopy substitution. Grafting on 60 days old seedlings with the retention of four (4) matured basal leaves on the rootstocks significantly (p < 0.05) gave high success in graft union whilst the root stocks without basal leaves recorded low graft successes. However, there was significant (p < 0.05) off-shoots development below the graft union of the rootstock. Softwood grafting was the best technique for high graft success with the month of July being suitable period for grafting in canopy substitution. Retaining four (4) matured leaves at the base of 60 days old rootstock was the best for achieving high graft success with reduction of infection.