Rootstocks and grafting methods for Atemoya (Annona squamosa L. x Annona cherimoya Mill.) plants

Abstract

This experiment aimed to evaluate the production of atemoya nursery plants grafted on two rootstocks (Annona squamosa L. and Annona glabra L.). The experimental design was a 2 x 5 factorial being two rootstocks and five methods of grafting, with five randomized blocks and ten plants per plot, totaling 500 plants. The variables evaluated at 60 days after grafting were budding efficiency (%), shooting grafts (%) dormant grafts (%) and living grafts (%). It was also evaluated the shoot length (cm), stem diameter (mm), root system length (cm), number of leaves (unit /plant), dry root mass (g /plant), shoot dry mass (g /plant), total dry mass (g /plant), length seedling (cm) and shoot: root system dry mass ratio. Data regarding diameter of the rootstock and means of graft characteristics were submitted to analysis of variance. For the characteristics of percentage of grafting effectiveness, living grafts, shooting and dormant grafts, data were transformed in for analysis of variance, all means compared by Scott-Knott test, at 5% probability. Atemoya 'Gefner' can be grafted on rootstocks Annona glabra L. and Annona squamosa L. by cleft grafting method. The grafting whip and double whip can be used to atemoya 'Gefner' if grafting onto rootstock Annona squamosa L. Budding grafting method is not efficient for the production of atemoya 'Gefner' plants.