Technique for rapid multiplication of guava (Psidium guajava']java L.)

Wedge method of grafting was tried in guava (Psidium guajava L.) cultivars Allahabad Safeda and Sardar under greenhouse (GH) as well as in open field conditions (OFC) for 3 consecutive years (2003-2005). The grafting operation performed in greenhouse gave significantly (P=0.05) higher success of grafts (64.56-94.33%) as compared to open field conditions (51.30-78.63%) in both the cultivars. However, maximum success of grafts was obtained in greenhouse (88.63-94.33%) as well as in open field conditions (66.6-78.63%) when grafting was carried out during November to February in both cultivars. Grafting under greenhouse significantly reduced the time taken (11-13 days) for sprouting than, those grafted in open field conditions. Interaction effect of variety x greenhouse x month, variety x open field conditions x months and variety x factors (GH/OFC) x months had significant effect on success of grafts and earliness in grafts sprouting when grafting was performed in winter months. The temperature range of 20 degrees C to 26 degrees C and RH 70 to 80 per cent were found most conductive for maximum (> 70%) success.