Effect of Growing Conditions and Grafting Time on Root Parameters, Plant Survival and Economics of Softwood Grafting in Sweet Orange (Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck) cv. Nucellar

The present study was conducted during 2024–2025 at the Central Nursery, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani, to evaluate the effect of growing conditions and grafting time on root parameters, plant survival and economics of softwood grafting in sweet orange (Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck) cv. Nucellar under open field and polyhouse conditions at 15 days interval from 15th July to 30th October. The interaction between growing conditions and grafting time revealed that, the C2D3 combination (polyhouse, 15th August) was the most effective, recording the highest values for root length (44.50 cm), primary root diameter (9.20 mm), number of secondary roots (34.90), fresh root weight (19.80 g), dry root weight (7.40 g), and plant survival (98.90%). This treatment also achieved the maximum benefit–cost ratio (1.86), highlighting its technical and economic feasibility for large-scale commercial propagation of sweet orange.