Effect of Root Trainer on the Success of Grafting and the Survival Rate of Cashew Tree [Anacardium occidentale L.(Anacardiaceae)] in Field

Abstract

Grafting is the most widespread vegetative propagation technique in cashew tree (Anacardium occidentale L.). Usually, cashew plant grafting are done on seedlings in plastic bags in nursery. In addition, to the low success rate, grafted plants have a low viability rate in field because main roots were broken during their transfer to the field. This study was carried out to evaluate the grafting success and survival rate of cashew seedlings planted in root trainer with different size (250 cc, 500 cc and 1000 cc). Each type of container was filled with two different growing substrates: coconut fiber and sawdust. Results showed that large size root trainers (1000 cc) have the highest percentage of graft success (96.67%). Rootstocks 45 days old presented the highest percentage of graft success in nursery (94.31%). The longest scions (12 cm) presented the minimum sprouting time (18.21 days). In the field, survival rate 100% of the grafted plants was recorded. In addition to the high survival rate ensured in field, root trainer is eco-friendly reusable and it light nature can prove a profitable technology for raising cashew elite plants regeneration.