Question

The best method of propagation for Mango in Northern India is

• A. Layering
• B. Veneer grafting
• C. Patch grafting
• D. Hand wood cutting

Hint:

Note these propagation preferences in India:
- Northern India: Veneer grafting is the standard.
- Southern and Western India: Inarching and Stone Epicotyl grafting are also popular.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Mango (Mangifera indica) is propagated commercially through vegetative methods to ensure trueness-to-type, early bearing, and uniformity.
Different vegetative propagation methods are preferred in different climatic zones depending on their success rate and adaptability.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us evaluate the different methods of mango propagation:
- Veneer grafting is highly successful and widely adopted as the commercial method of mango propagation in Northern India.
This includes regions like Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Haryana.
This method is preferred because of its high success rate (\(80\text{--}90\%\)), ease of handling during transport, and efficient use of scion wood.
It is typically performed during the active growing season when sap flow is high (mid-March to April and July to September).
In this method, a downward slanting cut is made on the side of the rootstock, and a matching cut is made on the scion.
They are then bound tightly together with plastic film.
- Layering (such as air layering) is not commercially successful for mango due to poor root development and low survival rates.
- Patch grafting is more commonly used in other crops like pecan and walnut.
- Hardwood cutting is extremely difficult to root in mangoes even with root-promoting hormones.
Therefore, veneer grafting remains the best and most widely recommended method in Northern Indian agro-climatic conditions.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The best method of propagation for Mango in Northern India is Veneer grafting.