Effect of different methods and time of budding on sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) nursery plants

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the best time and methods for commercial sweet cherry propagation. The study consisted of four budding methods viz, chip budding, shield budding, annular budding and patch budding as main plot treatments and nine budding dates viz, 15th May, 30th May, 14th June, 29th June, 14th July, 29th July, 13th August, 28th August and 12th September as sub plot treatments. The results showed that, of the four methods of budding, chip budding had the highest success rate in terms of bud-take (52.21 %). Among different dates of budding, plants budded on 30th May recorded maximum bud-take success (68.99 %) and values recorded for growth parameters like scion girth (7.52 mm), number of leaves (53.16) and leaf area (23.37 cm2) during 15th may and 30th May were also appreciable. Based on budding performance chip budding performed between the 15th and the 30th of May thus be recommended for cherry propagation.