Standardization of asexual propagation techniques in rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum L.) for humid tropical region of India

Rambutan (Nephilium lappaceum L.) a potential exotic crop, fetching high value demand in the tropical markets of the world. In India the states like Kerala and Karnataka are pioneer in cultivation of Rambutan. It is a natural habitat of warm and humid climate of South East Asia gradually finding its spread and cultivation across continents of both the spheres, but in order to sustain the demand of this crop, there is an urgent need to find out the best method of propagation. In order to assess and determine a suitable vegetative propagation protocol for true to type plant multiplication in Coorg region of Karnataka, different types of budding and grafting techniques were evaluated in Rambutan. Three different methods of budding (i.e. patch budding, forkert budding and chip budding) was employed, among the three methods patch budding was proven to the best with significantly higher rate of budding success (70.00 %), minimum days taken for sprouting (36.86 days) and with a lower rate of mortality (6.28 %). In a separate concurrent experiment, approach grafting method showed superior results among three different methods (viz. approach grafting, cleft grafting and veneer grafting) studied. It showed maximum rate of graft success (72.86 %), higher number of sprouted bud (4.29) and minimum days taken for sprouting (46.29 days) and also had a very low mortality rate (5.87 %).