Integrated Evaluation of Grafting Techniques and Microclimatic Conditions for Improving Guava (Psidium guajava L.) Propagation Efficiency

Abstract

An experiment was conducted to identify the most effective grafting method for guava (Psidium guajava L.) under different seasons and growing environments. The study evaluated two seasons as October (S1) and February (S2) and three environments: open field (C1), mist chamber (C2), and polyhouse (C3). Wedge grafting performed within the mist chamber consistently produced superior results across both seasons. In October, wedge grafted plants showed earlier bud sprouting (15.67 days), higher survival (60.33%) and a greater number of sprouts per graft (3.66) under mist chamber conditions. Likewise, during February, wedge grafting recorded the highest graft survival (70.89%), graft success (80.45%), number of leaves (20.00), leaf area (52.06 cm²) and sprout length (11.33 cm) in the mist chamber environment. Overall, the findings indicate that wedge grafting in a mist chamber during February is the most suitable technique for achieving high-quality and successful guava propagation under the agro-climatic conditions of Coimbatore, offering a more efficient alternative to the traditionally practiced open-field layering.