Effect of antitranspirants on epicotyl grafts of mango

In south Gujarat region, farmers and private nurseries are practicing approach and epicotyl grafts. Epicotyl grafting is cheaper and quick method of propagation with a success rate of 75.80 %. Moreover, it is more preferable for high density planting due to erect growth habit and uniform appearance as compared to approach grafting. In epicotyl grafts, newly emerged leaves of mango grafts will fall down after two of months. It might be due to the less combining activity of cambium union at scion and rootstock joint and at the same time transpiration rate may be more from leaves and it generates pressure on xylem vessels for gaining water loss in order to reduce transpiration loss from grafts ultimately plant will drop off leaves which leading to lesser survival of grafts at the end. Owing to the problems among the nurserymen and farmers of south Gujarat, a study has been conducted to know effect of antitranspirants on growth and survival of epicotyl grafts of mango (Mangifera indica L.) cv. Kesar after successful sprouting. Based on the results of the experiment it can be concluded that the spray of Kaolin (2.5%) showed superior results in compare to other antitranspirants.