Anatomical and Histological Investigation of Antioxidants and IBA on Graft Success in Walnut
摘要
Walnut is highly valuable nut crop, but its vegetative propagation faces significant challenges particularly due to its phenolic content, which hampers grafting success. Therefore, reliable method to reduce phenolic content and enhance grafting outcomes is essential. This study employed two antioxidants viz., polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP; 2000 and 4000 ppm) and ascorbic acid (2000 and 4000 ppm), along with indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) at 50 ppm (scion dip) and 200 ppm spray (four intermittent sprays at weekly intervals). Highest graft take (96.66%), grafting success (70.00%), scion girth (31.76 mm), leaf area (126.57 cm2), lowest days taken to sprouting (32.49 days) and phenolic content (5.17 mg/g) were recorded in PVP@ 4000 ppm + scion dip with IBA @ 50 ppm + four intermittent sprays of IBA @200 ppm at weekly intervals. Additionally, scion growth at 15-day intervals (30.99, 32.96, 40.91, 47.97, 57.84, 61.54, 62.94, 65.69 cm) and number of compound leaves at monthly intervals (5.98, 7.97, 8.98) were again recorded in the same treatment combination. Histological studies showed that necrotic layer formation occurred in control after grafting which led to oxidation of phenolic compounds, reduced grafting success and subsequent growth and development of scions. The findings of the present study conclude that application of rootstocks and scions with PVP @4000 ppm and IBA @50 ppm followed by four intermittent sprays @200 ppm resulted in highest graft take (96.66%), grafting success (70%), and enhanced growth of walnut scions.