Effect of different grafting time in naturally ventilated condition on success of wedge grafting in custard apple (Annona squamosa L.) cv. Sindhan

The present investigation aimed to evaluate the “Effect of different grafting time in naturally ventilated condition on success of wedge grafting in custard apple (Annona squamosa L.) cv. Sindhan” at the College Farm, College of Horticulture, Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Jagudan, Dist. Mehsana, from February to July 2024. Six treatment were tested, comprising six different grafting times (T1-T6). The grafting times ranged from the 3rd week of February to the 1st week of May at every 15 days interval. The experiment was laid out in a Completely Randomized Design, with three repetitions. The results revealed that 3rd week of March (T3) proved to be the most favorable grafting time, showing the shortest days taken for sprouting of graft (11.53) and highest number of sprouted grafts (90.56%) at 30 DAG. Significant improvements were also observed in other growth parameters, including the number of fully opened leaves 14.73, 20.07, length of scion 52.24 cm, 60.24 cm, girth of scion 8.68 mm, 10.99 mm at 45 and 90 DAG, respectively as well as graft survival percent 90.56 at 90 DAG. Based on results obtained from present investigation, it can be concluded that wedge grafting done at 3rd week of March recorded better growth, higher graft survival percent and economic return.