Studies on Graft Compatibility of Buds in Growth and Tappability ofHevea brasiliensis

摘要

The present experiment was conducted in a statistically laid out field trial to see whether compatibility of different types of lateral buds grafted on the rootstocks contributed to better budding success, uniform growth and higher percentage of treesattaining tappable girth in the 7th year after planting. Five types of dormant buds of one year old scion of the most popular clone RRII 105 viz. Brown leaf scar buds, greenish brown leaf scar buds, greenish brown scale leaf buds, clustered leaf storeybuds and tender leaf buds were grafted onto one year old stock seedlings. Results illustrated that the differences in budding success, survival rate and growth parameters in young stage were not significant (P=0.05), except the height of the plants originated from brown leaf scar buds. However, differences became apparent with respect to percentage of trees attaining tappable girth in the 7l year. Trees raised from greenish brown leaf scar buds showed the highest percentage of tappable trees (63.90%) followed by greenish brown scale leaf buds (54.16%) which indicated relatively better performance of these buds in terms of uniform growth and tappability of the trees. Trees originated from brown leaf scar buds recorded moderate (45.45%) tappability. Clustered leaf storey buds and tender leaf buds recorded significantly low tappability of 37.50 and 36.36%, respectively with higher intraclonal variation in growth indicating graft incompatibility of these buds. The highest success in terms of uniform growth and tappability coupled with reduction in gestation period could be achieved by grafting greenish brown leaf scar buds collected from one year old scion. Quality of buds is one of the major factors which determine the quality of the scion in terms of growth and tappability. Selection of buds in a budwood at the time of bud grafting is very important to ensure compatibility and production of quality planting materials in rubber.