Cleft Grafting Research Articles

High-crown grafting to increase low yields in Camellia oleifera

ABSTRACTTea oil camellia (Camellia oleifera) is a perennial evergreen shrub or small tree with multiple uses. Its seed oil contains rich bioactive compounds with powerful nutritional and medicinal values. To improve low seed yield in natural forests of this species, the new grafting technique of high-grafting and change-crown is being widely used. This usually has three grafting methods, inlay graft by separating bark (IGSB), bark xylem graft by cutting stock (BXGCS), and cleft graft (CG). In this research, we (1) investigated growth, development, fruit yield, and traits of trees after high-grafting and (2) tested effects of grafting methods (IGSB, BXGCS, and CG) and times (spring, summer, and autumn) on survival rates. Results indicated that sprouted scions flowered and set fruit in the third year after high-grafting, and grafted trees produced higher oil yields in the fourth year. Both grafting methods and times significantly influence grafting survival rates. The optimal grafting method for this species is BXGCS, resulting in a 77.4% survival rate in the summer. These results not only demonstrate that this new grafting technique is advantageous to improve low-yield trees, but also that grafting method and time affected survival rate, contributing to enhanced productivity.

Grafting technique and rootstock species for the propagation of Plinia cauliflora

ABSTRACT: One of the biggest challenges for expansion of jabuticaba fruit tree cultivation is the high cost of seedlings due to to difficulties with vegetative propagation. Here, we aimed to evaluate graft survival in combinations of Plinia cauliflora and rootstocks of other species from the Myrtaceae family. The study was carried out at the Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná - Campus Dois Vizinhos, Paraná State, Brazil. Eugenia uniflora L., E. involucrata DC, and P. cauliflora were used as rootstocks and were obtained as seeds. The 'whip-and- tongue' and cleft grafting techniques were tested for vegetative propagation. Grafted plants were cultivated in a greenhouse. The experimental design was a randomized complete block, in factorial 3×2 (rootstock species× graft type), with four replicates of 10 grafts by plot. Compatibility between rootstock species and scion was evaluated by diameter growth below and above the grafting point and by vegetative budburst and survival percentages. The use of P. cauliflora grafts with the same species was required for propagation. E. involucrata and E. uniflora rootstocks were not capable of propagation with P. cauliflora . Therefore, it is necessary to test other species from the Myrtaceae family.

Effect of Platelet-Rich Fibrin on The Regeneration Capacity of Bone Marrow Aspirate In Alveolar Cleft Grafting (Clinical and Radiographic Study)

The present study aimed to evaluate the enhancing effect of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) on autogenous bone marrow aspirate (BMA) using in a resorbable matrix for repair of alveolar cleft defects. It was conducted on 12 patients (7 males and 5 females) with unilateral alveolar cleft and oronasal leakage. They divided into two random equal groups (group I and II). In group I, alveolar cleft defect packed with a mixture of PRF, β-Tricalcium phosphate, and BMA, and the same mixture without PRF for group II. Our clinical results revealed that, all patients had uneventful wound healing except some cases in group II. While, densitometric analysis showed a high statistical significant difference between two groups (p=0.011737) at 6 months interval but, at 12 months interval difference was not statistically significant (p=0.142480). Also, volumetric measurements of new bone showed that, there was highly statistical significant difference (p=0.037997) between group I and II at 12 month interval. The present study concluded that PRF may enhance the regeneration capacity of the stem cells when it added to BMA. Thereby, they may accelerate bone regeneration in alveolar cleft defects. Moreover, it may be used as membrane to cover grafted alveolar defect.

Different methods of grafting and activity of antioxidant enzymes in tomato

Mechanical injuries caused during grafting can induce oxidative stress, causing deleterious effects on the cells. This study aimed to evaluate the damage caused by grafting methods in tomato plants by assessing the enzymatic activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase and polyphenoloxidase and assessing phenol content. Three grafting methods were applied to the ‘Guardiao’® rootstock (bevel contact, cleft and approach grafting), as well as the ‘Pizzadoro’® tomato free-standing plant and five sampling periods (0, 3, 6, 9 and 12 days after grafting). The grafting methods employed did not induce changes in catalase activities. There was alteration in peroxidase activity in response to bevel contact and cleft grafting. Plants showed higher polyphenol oxidase activity after 12 days of grafting in all grafting methods. Total content of phenols in grafted plants did not differ from the free-standing. The results suggest compatibility between rootstock and graft. The survival rate indicates that the methods employed were appropriate. The most recommended grafting methods for tomato are bevel contact and cleft grafting, depending on the survival rate.

Effect of scion defoliation period and methods of grafting on success and survivability in mango

This study was conducted in order to investigate the effect of scion defoliation period and methods of grafting on the success and survivability of mango (var. Amrapali) at Bangladesh Agricultural University Germplasm Centre (BAU-GPC) of Fruit Tree Improvement Program (FTIP) of the Department of Horticulture, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh. The experiment consisted of four scion defoliation periods, viz., defoliation before 9, 6, 3 days of grafting and defoliation on the day of grafting and two grafting methods namely cleft grafting and whip grafting. The study was laid out in randomized complete block design with three replications. The results revealed that scions defoliated 9 days before grafting showed the highest success (91.59%) and survivability (88.75%) and took the lowest time for bud breaking and first leaf opening (11.10 days and 14.22 days, respectively)whereas the lowest success rate (85.82% ) and survivability (83.60%) were observed when scion defoliation was performed on the day of grafting. In respect of grafting methods, higher graft success and survivability (89.68% and 86.89%, respectively) were found in cleft method, however, this method took longer time for bud breaking (11.92 days) and first leaf opening (15.90 days). The combined influence of scion defoliation period and grafting method exhibited the best performance on graft success and survivability when cleft grafting method was used with scion defoliated 9 days before grafting operation. Therefore the results of this investigation suggested that scions defoliated 9 days before grafting operation and cleft grafting method would be better for propagation of mango, yet the performance of cleft grafting with scion defoliated 6 days before grafting was also good with the hope of getting 85% success and survivability.Progressive Agriculture 27 (3): 242-248, 2016

PROPAGATION OF KHAYA ANTHOTHECA: INTERSPECIFIC GRAFTING WITH SWIETENIA MACROPHYLLA AND AIR LAYERING

ABSTRACT Swietenia macrophylla yields high-quality wood; however, its vulnerability to extinction coupled with challenges for its cultivation have brought attention to its replacement for alternative species such as the Khaya anthotheca. The species has been recently introduced to South America, with potential for the production of high-quality wood. However, limited background on breeding and efficient strategies for its vegetative propagation exist. Here, we achieved significant results with the application of cleft grafting and air layering for the propagation of K. anthotheca plants grown from seeds. First, we analyzed the compatibility of scions and rootstocks for intraspecific and interspecific cleft grafting combinations of K. anthotheca and S. macrophylla. Second, air layering was performed in K. anthotheca seedlings irrigated with three nutrient solution (100%, 50% and 25% of the initial concentration of nutrients) combined with the application of indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) to evaluate adventitious rooting. From cleft grafting, we achieved an overall graft compatibility and survival of 48% after 200 days. However, the interspecific combination of S. macrophylla (scion) and K. anthotheca (rootstock) implicated in no compatibility, while the reciprocal resulted in 52% of compatibility. Through air layering, the irrigation with the nutrient solution with at least 50% of the nutrients concentration and with IBA (3.0 or 8.0 g.L-1) resulted in the best adventitious rooting. Overall, we recommend cleft grafting, except for the combination S. macrophylla (scion) and K. anthotheca (rootstock), with no compatibility. Air layering might also be useful for the propagation of K. anthotheca genotypes in breeding programs.

Grafting of artichoke for the sustainable management of verticillium wilt

Verticillium dahliae is recognized as one of the main fungal diseases limiting crop yields. Grafting could represent an important integrated strategy to manage this soilborne pathogen of artichoke, as commonly made in high value Solanaceae and Cucurbitaceae crops. In addition, grafting application allows to grow and valorize in a sustainable way traditional landraces of artichoke in soils where the fungus is present endemically. Out of 51 cultivated and wild cardoon accessions, screened for resistance to the fungus, nine of them have been selected as resistant rootstocks. In order to develop the best grafting technique, the tongue and the cleft ones have been compared, applying them onto wild and cultivated cardoon rootstocks; the artichoke F1 hybrid 'Romolo' has been used as scion. In the cleft grafting, shoot re-growth from the rootstock was observed; this criticism, not evidenced in the tongue grafting, could be anyway overcome by cotyledon elimination. Anatomical and physiological study of grafting union formation, performed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), showed that the cleft procedure assures the best contact surface between bionts. The vessel distribution and their number can be related to the wounded surface cicatrisation. In relation to artichoke yield and quality, the grafted plants did not show any significant differences with respect to the ungrafted ones. Thereby, the high grafting cost could be overcome by cultivating, despite stress conditions, artichoke high quality genotypes.

Study on different grafting methods of kiwifruit ‘Hayward’ on the ‘Matua’ and ‘Bruno’ rootstocks

Introduction. Grafting onto kiwifruit seedlings is a common method for propagation. Grafting success rate depends on both the rootstock and grafting type. Materials and methods. The present study examines the effect of three grafting types on two locally prevailing rootstocks of the kiwifruit ‘Hayward’ in a factorial experiment based on a randomized complete block design with two factors. The first factor was the graft type at three levels (cleft, tongue and side grafting) and the second factor was rootstock at two levels (‘Matua’ and ‘Bruno’) with three replications. The measured traits included graft union percentage, scion growth, leaf area index, specific leaf area, leaf weight ratio, graft union height, number of suckers and allometric coefficient. Results and discussion. It was found that the highest graft union percentage (100%) was obtained under treatment cleft grafting × ‘Bruno’ rootstock and tongue grafting × ‘Matua’ rootstock, whereas the lowest graft union (66.7%) was observed in ‘Matua’ rootstock grafted by cleft method. Scion growth in tongue graft combination was better than other treatments. The treatment of side grafting × ‘Bruno’ rootstock had the highest scion growth and the treatment of cleft grafting × ‘Matua’ rootstock had the lowest growth. The highest number of suckers was observed under tongue grafting × ‘Bruno’ rootstock and the lowest number was obtained in the treatment of cleft grafting × ‘Matua’ rootstock. Conclusion. Cleft grafting for ‘Bruno’ rootstock and tongue grafting for ‘Matua’ rootstock with 100% success were the best and acceptable treatments.

Testing different grafting methods for vegetative propagation of baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) in Kenya to assist its domestication and promote cultivation

Baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) is an indigenous fruit tree species of drylands in sub-Saharan Africa. Its leaves, fruits and seeds are important for income generation and food and nutrition security of local communities. Its fruit pulp is rich in vitamin C and calcium, among other nutrients. Domestication of baobab, using mother trees with desired traits for vegetative mass propagation and planting, could meet the increasing demand for baobab pulp and the decreasing abundance of the trees in natural habitats. Two grafting methods were tested in the ICRAF nursery site (Nairobi, Kenya) to identify a suitable propagation technique. Two mother trees were selected (Trees 1 and 2) for harvesting scions. ‘Top cleft’ and ‘side veneer’ grafting were performed on a total of 38 rootstocks for each mother tree (20 of 1-year and 18 of 2-year age), resulting in a total of 76 grafted trees. The grafted trees were then followed during eight months. The experiment was conducted to evaluate grafting success and shoot growth. Statistical analyses included Binomial Logistic Regression for survival rates and three-factorial ANOVA for shoot length. The overall grafting survival rate was 63%. Top cleft grafting showed slightly more survival success than side veneer (71% vs. 55%, p = 0.114). Using 2-year old rootstock was significantly more successful than 1-year old ones (75% vs. 53%; p = 0.029). Using scions from mother Tree 1 was significantly more successful than from Tree 2 (82% vs. 45%; p = 0.001). Length of new shoots growing from the scions of the successful grafts did not significantly differ among the treatments. Our results showed that both grafting methods and rootstock ages were successful and can contribute to the development of baobab domestication programmes for improving food security and livelihoods in African drylands.

Characterization of Brown Streak Virus-Resistant Cassava.

Cassava brown streak disease (CBSD) has become a major constraint to cassava production in East and Central Africa. The identification of new sources of CBSD resistance is essential to deploy CBSD mitigation strategies, as the disease is progressing westwards to new geographical areas. A stringent infection method based on top cleft-grafting combined with precise virus titer quantitation was utilized to screen 14 cassava cultivars and elite breeding lines. When inoculated with mixed infections of Cassava brown streak virus (CBSV) and Ugandan cassava brown streak virus (UCBSV), the scions of elite breeding lines KBH 2006/18 and KBH 2006/26 remained symptom-free during a 16-week period of virus graft inoculation, while susceptible varieties displayed typical CBSD infection symptoms at 4 weeks after grafting. The identified CBSD resistance was stable under the coinoculation of CBSV and UCBSV with cassava geminiviruses. Double-grafting experiments revealed that transmission of CBSV and UCBSV to CBSD-susceptible top scions was delayed when using intermediate scions of elite breeding lines KBH 2006/18 and KBH 2006/26. Nonetheless, comparison of virus systemic movement using scions from KBH2006/18 and a transgenic CBSD resistant 60444 line (60444-Hp9 line) showed that both CBSV and UCBSV move at undetectable levels through the stems. Further, protoplast-based assays of virus titers showed that the replication of CBSV is inhibited in the resistant line KBH2006/18, suggesting that the identified CBSD resistance is at least partially based on inhibition of virus replication. Our molecular characterization of CBSD resistance in cassava offers a robust virus-host system to further investigate the molecular determinants of CBSD resistance.

Cold storage of budsticks/clefts for staggered grafting in persimmon trees

ABSTRACT: The persimmon tree is propagated by grafting and the rootstocks are produced from seeds. Grafting is done in July, which coincides with the time when the persimmon trees are pruned. But, at this time, many rootstocks are not yet eligible to receive the grafts. In this case budsticks/cleft storage is an option. Thus, this study aimed to verify the feasibility of cold storage of budsticks/cleft and verify the grafting method to promote better graft development. Rootstock was sown in August 2012 and the branches were collected in July 2013. Part of the branches was used for grafting (budding and cleft graft methods) in one-year old rootstocks and the other part was stored at low temperature (cuttings wrapped in moistened paper and then wrapped in polyethylene bags placed in cold storage at 4°C), during the months of August to December. Every 30 days, a number of branches was removed from the cold storage to perform grafting by budding and cleft and to quantify total sugars and starch in the budsticks/cleft stored. One hundred and twenty days after the grafting was performed, the length and diameter of the bud, number of leaves, sprouting percentage, dry weight of aerial part and root from the grafts were measured. It was concluded that there is no difference in the budding graft for different periods, but in seedlings grafted by the cleft grafting method there is greater growth when the clefts have been in cold storage for 60 to 120 days.

Development of improved techniques for grafting of pecan

This project was carried out at the Safiabad Agricultural Research Center of Dezful during 2011–12. Three graft methods are investigated in this project: cleft graft with hot cable system five times from late October till mid-February, cleft graft with polyethylene bag, and side-stub five times from early November till early March. For each grafting method, scion wood of ‘GraTex’, ‘Wichita’, ‘Choctaw’, ‘10J’ and ‘GraKing’ pecan cultivars were grafted onto two-year old seedling rootstocks 1–1.5cm in diameter. The best graft time was from late January till late February using the cleft graft with hot cable system graft method and from mid-February till late March using the cleft graft with polyethylene bag grafting method. Also, the highest percentage of graft success was achieved using ‘Wichita’ scion (92%), while ‘10J’ had the lowest percentage. The side-stub grafting method was unsuccessful compared to the other two methods and percentages of graft success for different cultivars using this method were below 20%.

Design and Test of a Solanaceae Grafting Robot

A grafting robot based on cleft grafting method has been developed to improve efficiency of grafting solanaceae vegetables. This robot consists of four parts including a clamping manipulator and carrying, cutting, feeding mechanisms. These not only enable the robot to conveniently perform clamping, carrying, positioning, cutting, joining, and binding rootstock and scion, but also improve the grafting efficiency. The average success rates for cutting rootstock, cutting scion and conjugation are 98.7%, 99.0% and 59.6% respectively. The developed robot was able to perform steady operations, suggesting potential value for practical applications.

Osteogenesis effect of guided bone regeneration combined with alveolar cleft grafting: assessment by cone beam computed tomography

Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) allows for a significantly lower radiation dose than conventional computed tomography (CT) scans and provides accurate images of the alveolar cleft area. The osteogenic effect of guided bone regeneration (GBR) vs. conventional alveolar bone grafting alone for alveolar cleft defects was evaluated in this study. Sixty alveolar cleft patients were divided randomly into two groups. One group underwent GBR using acellular dermal matrix film combined with alveolar bone grafting using iliac crest bone grafts (GBR group), while the other group underwent alveolar bone grafting only (non-GBR group). CBCT images were obtained at 1 week and at 3 months following the procedure. Using Simplant 11.04 software, the bone resorption rate was calculated and compared between the two groups. The bone resorption rate from 1 week to 3 months following bone grafting without the GBR technique was 36.50±5.04%, whereas the bone resorption rate using the GBR technique was 31.69±5.50% (P=0.017). The application of autogenous iliac bone combined with the GBR technique for alveolar bone grafting of alveolar cleft patients can reduce bone resorption and result in better osteogenesis.

Comparitive Performance of Seed and Grafted Orgin Pongamia pinnata Roxb. Under Rainfed Ecosystem

Experiments were conducted to develop a high seed yielding Pongamia pinnata clone through cleft grafting and to estimate the grafting compatibility, survival and growth attributes of grafted plant over a period of seven weeks besides assessing the survival percentage, plant height (cm), number of leaves in the grafted clones in comparison with check under rain fed field conditions. The results in the nursery stage exhibited good graft compatibility, higher survival percentage (93.0 per cent) and more number of sprouts (26.6) in grafted plants. Biometric observations recorded in the field at 4 MAP (Months After Planting) revealed that the initial height growth and the number of leaves in the grafted plants (61.9cm; 285.6) was more than the check (42.9cm; 121.4) while at 12 MAP, survival percentage and 4 years and 6 months after planting survival percentage, height, basal diameter, dbh, number of primary branches and percentage of flowering tree was more in the check under rain fed ecosystem.

Evaluation of chilli and brinjal rootstocks for growth, yield and quality of bell pepper (Capsicum annuumL. var.grossumSendt.) under protected conditions

Grafting is now-a-days becoming an important tool to manage soil-borne diseases and improve crop response to a variety of abiotic stresses such as drought, flooding, salinity and extreme temperature stresses. However, in order to make a successful change in plant root system through grafting, it is important to select an ideal and compatible rootstock. In the present studies, the commercial bell pepper hybrid Indra was grafted on five chilli and three brinjal rootstocks, whereas, the non-grafted plants of Indra were used as ontrol. Three methods of grafting viz. tongue, cleft and tube were used. The experiment was laid out in a Factorial Randomized Block Design with three replications and data were recorded on various yield and quality traits. The chilli rootstock PI-201232 was the most suitable rootstock for bell pepper. Tongue grafting resulted in highest grafting success in comparison to cleft and tube. The combination of rootstock PI-201232 and propagation method Tongue grafting resulted into minimum days to first flowering (47.33), minimum days to first harvest (72.00) and maximum number of fruits per plant (27.80). The combination resulted in average fruit weight of 105.05 g, 2.80 kg marketable fruit yield per plant, marketable. Maximum fruit length (8.66 cm) was recorded with chilli rootstock AVPP0205 and Cleft grafting. Highest capsaicin content (0.65%) was recorded with chilli rootstock PI-201232 and Tube grafting. There was no significant effect of interaction between rootstocks and grafting methods on fruit diameter (cm). The chilli rootstocks PI-201232, AVPP0205, VI-037556, Surajmukhi and Pant C-1 were found to be more suitable for bell pepper in comparison to brinjal rootstocks.

Porta-enxertos e fixadores de enxerto para enxertia hipocotiledonar de maracujazeiro azedo

RESUMO: Avaliou-se a enxertia hipocotiledonar de maracujazeiro azedo em porta-enxertos de Passiflora alata, P. edulis, P. cincinnata e P. gibertii utilizando-se, como fixadores para envolvimento da região da enxertia, fita adesiva tipo crepe, grampo metálico de cabelo e grampo de enxertia a mola. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos ao acaso, em esquema fatorial 4 x 3 (porta-enxerto x fixador), com 12 tratamentos, três repetições e oito plantas na parcela. Utilizou-se a enxertia hipocotiledonar pelo método de garfagem de topo em fenda cheia. Avaliaram-se diâmetro de caule, altura de planta e número de folhas do porta-enxerto no momento da enxertia, percentagem de sobrevivência da enxertia, diâmetro do caule, número de folhas e altura do enxerto aos 30, 60 e 90 dias após a enxertia. A sobrevivência do enxerto de maracujazeiro azedo foi elevada, em geral, sendo equivalente para todos os porta-enxertos avaliados, demonstrando a eficiência da técnica. O uso dos fixadores de enxertia resultou em elevada percentagem de sobrevivência dos enxertos sem se verificarem diferenças entre os fixadores. Aos 90 dias após a enxertia, o maracujazeiro azedo, enxertado em P. alata apresentou menor crescimento em relação àqueles enxertados em P. edulis e P. gibertii.

Miniestaquia a partir de minicepas originadas por enxertia de pitangueira adulta

The aim of this study was to evaluate the viability of the minicutting technique in the vegetative propagation of Surinam cherry (Eugenia uniflora L.), through productivity and survival of ministumps, and rooting of minicuttings originating from grafting and treated with different concentrations of indolebutyric acid (IBA) in the successive collections. The ministumps were obtained through grafting (cleft graft) of scions collected from the selected tree onto rootstock formed by seeds collected from the same tree. To create the minigarden, the grafted seedlings were grown in root plugs and their sprouts were pruned, maintaining one pair of leaves on each sprout. From these ministumps, successive collections of sprouts (minicuttings) were made. A completely randomized experimental design was used in a 4 x 4 factorial arrangement (four periods of collection of minicuttings x four concentrations of IBA), with four replications and 20 minicuttings as an experimental unit. The survival rate of the ministumps was 100% after four successive collections of sprouts. In the higher temperature period was possible to carry out two collections of shoots. Mean yield was 2.4 minicuttings/ministump, 598.9 minicuttings/m2 in the first collection time, and 2.7 minicuttings/ministump, 681.1 minicuttings/m2 in the second collection time. Mean yield was 384.4 minicuttings/m2 /month. It was adventitious rooting of less than 1.9%. The rooting of minicuttings from grafting of the Surinam cherry is not favored with the use of IBA.

Deproteinized Bovine Bone Graft in Maxillary Alveolar Cleft Reconstruction

Though alveolar grafting continues to be a viable treatment regimen, its associated protocols and techniques are many and varied. The present study was conducted to evaluate the use of deproteinized bovine bone xenograft mixed with autogenous mandibular symphyseal bone graft in secondary maxillary alveolar cleft reconstruction compared to the gold standard anterior iliac crest autogenous graft. 10 patients (mean age 9.3years 1.33) with unilateral maxillary alveolar cleft defect requiring secondary alveolar cleft grafting were included in this study. Patients were selected from the outpatient clinic, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, Cairo University. The study was conducted from June 2012 till February 2013. Patients were divided randomly into 2 equal groups. Group A received the gold standard anterior iliac crest graft. Group B received mandibular symphyseal bone mixed with deproteinized bovine bone in a 1:1 ratio. For each patient, 3 CBCT scans were ordered: preoperatively, immediately postoperatively and 6 months postoperatively. Volumetric and densitometric measurements were made using the Mimics[1] software. Data were collected and statistical analysis was performed using SPSS (Statistical package for the social sciences)[2]. Data were represented as mean standard deviation. Paired sample student t-test was used to compare each pair of the studied variables within the studied group of patients. Independent sample t test was used to compare variables between the two studied groups. The test result was considered statistically significant if the Pvalue was equal to or less than 0.05. Results showed the percentage of defect filling immediately postoperatively to be 90.8 9.2% for Group A and 94.2 4.3% for Group B, while percentage of defect filling 6 months postoperatively was 86.6 10.0% for Group A and 88.4 2.8% for Group B. Comparison of the 2 groups regarding the percentage of defect filling by the graft immediately postoperatively and at 6 months showed no statistical significant difference with a P-value of 0.483 and 0.736 respectively. Comparison of the percentage of graft resorption between the 2 groups also showed no statistical significant difference. (P-value 0.704) Similarly, comparison of graft density between Group A and Group B immediately postoperatively (P-value 0.52) and after 6 months (P-value 0.81) showed no statistical significant

AN EFFICIENT IN VITRO MICROGRAFTING TECHNOLOGY OF WATERMELON

In this study, we first developed an in vitro micro-grafting technology of watermelon [Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum and Nakai] and in vitro culture factors were investigated to improve the survival rate. Shoot tips excised from in vitro-raised seedlings were micro-grafted onto rootstocks. We found that the survival rate was over 90% when scions (with length of 0.8 cm and 2 leaves) were grafted onto rootstocks (3 weeks old) using cleft grafting method, then the micrografted seedlings were cultivated on MS medium added with 5% sucrose for 20 days. We hope that this study would lay a foundation for the theoretical research of watermelon grafting and cultivar improvement.