Evaluation of nutmeg genotypes for seed germination, seedling growth and epicotyl graft-take.

Abstract

Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans Houtt.) is an important tree spice in India that yields two economic parts namely the nut and mace. Commercially nutmeg is propagated vegetatively and root stocks play an important role in vegetative propagation like grafting and budding. Kepping this in view, an experiment was conducted to study the seed germination, seedling growth and epicotyl graft-take in seven elite genotypes of nutmeg namely, A-11-12, A-11-25, A-11-29, A-4-111, A-4-64, A-4-17 and A-4-117. The genotype A-4-17 performed best in terms of seed germination and seedling growth characters when compared to the other genotypes. In Epicotyl grafting of the variety Viswashree with root stocks of these seven genotypes, genotype A-4-17 was again found most promising as it recorded higher survival percentage of grafts and maximum values for different graft growth characters like plant height, scion length, leaves per plant, root stock and scion diameter.