Effect of BA on Bud Grafting in Grapefruit

Abstract

Experiments were conducted at Shambat Research Station,
Agricultural Research Corporation, Khartoum North, to test the effect of
concentrations and application methods of benzyladenine (BA), as a pre-
budding treatment, on scion bud-break and shoot elongation of grapefruit
(Citrus paradisi Macf. cv. “Redblush”). Nine- to twelve- months old sour
orange (Citrus aurantium L.) seedlings were used as rootstock. Two
application methods of BA (foliar and soaking) were evaluated. The
results showed that increasing BA concentration increased all parameters
measured relative to the controls, irrespective of the application method.
The highest percentage of bud-break, the largest number of leaves, the
longest scion shoots and the most growth rating values were obtained
with soaking in 400 mg BA/litre treatment, compared with the control or
the lower or higher BA concentrations tested or plants treated with the
foliar application method. No significant differences were obtained
among BA concentrations tested or application methods used on scion
shoot length. However, soak application method gave high values for all
parameters measured compared with the soak application method.
Treatment duration had no effect on the efficiency of BA on bud break.