How to grow custard apple (sitaphal)/annona through Wedge
grafting technique in India : Wedge or cleft grafting is a common technique
used for propagating custard apple (Annona squamosa) in
India. Custard apple, also known as Sitaphal is a popular fruit tree in
tropical and subtropical regions.
Custard apple is primarily disseminated
through seeds, resulting in significant genetic diversity in terms of growth,
yield, and quality. In order to preserve the desirable traits of the fruit, it
becomes imperative to employ vegetative propagation methods.
This method of grafting is suitable
during the spring season. The specific timing can vary based on the region and
climate, but a suitable period is typically between late winter and early
spring when the plants are entering an active growth phase.
How to grow custard apple (sitaphal)/annona
Selection of Scion:
The selection of scion involves
choosing a plant or plant part with desired characteristics for grafting onto a
rootstock. Criteria such as disease resistance, high yield, and specific traits
are considered. This careful selection ensures the transfer of favourable
attributes to the new plant, contributing to overall health and productivity.
Selection of Rootstock:
Rootstock plays important role in
success of graft through their influence on root growth and consequently
supplies food material to scion.
In India, custard apple (Annona squamosa)
is commonly grafted onto Annona reticulata also
known as "Bullocks heart". Annona reticulata is
chosen for its compatibility with custard apple scions and its strong root
system. However, rootstock choices may vary based on local conditions, custard
apple varieties, and regional preferences.
Materials needed: wedge grafting
- Healthy custard apple scion (the plant variety you want to propagate)
- Rootstock plant (a healthy and compatible custard apple plant)
- Sharp grafting knife or budding knife
- Grafting tape or polythene strip
Procedure: wedge grafting in Custard apple
- Cut the scion into a slanting shape, creating a wedge approximately 2-3 cm in length. Make just one or two incisions on each side of the scion to shape the wedge.
- Remove the upper portion of the rootstock approximately 20-30 cm above the potting medium's surface, and then create a 2-3 cm long vertical incision along the center of the stem.
- Insert the scion wedge into the cut on the rootstock, aiming to align at least one side of both pieces. Ensure a smooth connection where the scion and rootstock meet; a slight depression on the opposite side is acceptable and does not pose an issue.
- Secure the union by tightly wrapping grafting tape or a polythene strip around it, and knot or inter-loop the two ends of the tape/strip. Ensure the wrapping is sufficiently tight, preventing any movement of the scion out of the union during the wrapping process.
- Take off the grafting tape or polythene strip once the wound has completely healed. Exercise caution to prevent any harm to the stem during the removal process.
Aftercare
Gradually acclimate your grafted plants to prevent shock by
relocating them to an area with 50% shade net coverage for a period of 45-60
days before proceeding with the final transplanting.
Conclusion:
In arid and semi-arid
regions of India, wedge grafting is the key to successful custard apple
cultivation. Known for its rapid grafting process and resistance to high winds,
this technique ensures a high success rate in challenging climates.