Grafting is the preferred method for propagating mango varieties with desirable traits, ensuring that the new tree retains the characteristics of the parent.
Inarching or approach grafting is a method that involves bringing a branch of the desired mango variety into close contact with a seedling or rootstock, allowing them to grow together. This method helps ensure that the grafted branch and the rootstock form a strong union.
Materials Needed:
- Healthy mango scion (preferably from the current season's growth)
- Healthy mango rootstock
- Sharp grafting knife or budding knife
- Grafting tape or polythene strips or a string of thread
Procedure:
Selecting Materials:
The scion plant should be healthy,
vigorous, and high-yielding, originating from desired parent trees. Both the
rootstock and scion should have equal thickness when selecting them.
Preparing Scion and Rootstock:
- A one year old scion is selected for grafting after which the rootstock grown in a polythene bag is brought close to the scion branch.
- In this technique, it is essential that the diameter of both the rootstock and scion closely match each other.
- A slice of bark along with a thin piece of wood about 6-8 cm long and about 1/3 inch in thickness at height is removed from matching portions of both the stock and scion.
- They are then carefully brought together, ensuring that their cambium layers come into contact with each other.
- The cuts should be clean and fit together well.
- Tie the scions to the rootstock using grafting tape or a string of thread. The goal is to maintain close contact between scion and rootstock.
- After about one month, give a 1/3 rd deep cut on the stock, 5-6 cm above the graft union.
- Make a similar cut on the scion shoot just below the graft union.
- After two to three months from the grafting date, cut off the scion shoot from the mother plant and extend the cut deeper to remove the upper portion of the rootstock.
Encouraging Union:
The graft should not be separated for two to three months, so that the scion and rootstock can naturally
come into contact and form a successful union.
Aftercare:
Water the grafted plant regularly and provide
appropriate care to ensure its healthy growth. Monitor the grafted plant for
signs of stress, disease, or any issues with the graft union.
Post-Grafting Maintenance:
Remove any shoots or growth below the graft
union that may divert nutrients away from the scion.
Conclusion:
The technique of inarching or approach grafting is labor intensive and time consuming. Inarching is ideally conducted during the tree's growth phase when it exhibits active sap flow. The conclusion of the monsoon season in regions with abundant rainfall and the onset of early monsoons in areas with lesser rainfall are optimal periods for inarching. It is important to note that the success of grafting depends on factors such as the skill of the grafter, time of grafting, health of the plant material and environmental conditions.