Standardization of vegetative propagation technique of wild edible Himalayas pear (Pyrus pashia) on newly identified local rootstock, RC Sohjhur-3

Abstract

Pyrus pashia is an important underutilized fruit crop in Meghalaya, North East, India, having several ethnobotanical and pomological uses. However, the lack of quality planting materials and long juvenility of seedlings lead to their gradual population degradation. Therefore, a study was conducted to develop a protocol for vegetative propagation method of quality planting materials using RC Sohjhur-3 (IC-0632369) as the local rootstock. Two grafting methods (Tongue and Wedge grafting) in four different periods (15th of August, September, October and November) were used. The result showed a significant effect of the interaction of Wedge grafting *15th August on the least number of days taken to sprouting (10.4±0.3 days). However, maximum graft success (93.3±9.9%), survivability (86.7±4.9%), and growth performance of grafted plants were found in Tongue grafting*15th October. Therefore, Tongue grafting carried out on 15th October showed promising graft performance, which may help in the rapid production of quality planting materials for better utilization and conservation of this species.