Performance of grafting loquats combined onto loquat and quince rootstocks on different dates

This study was carried out during February 20 to July 1, 2023, at the lath house in the College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences, University of Sulaimani, Kurdistan Region, Iraq, and aimed to investigate the impact of rootstock type and grafting time on grafting success of loquat on two rootstocks, loquat and quince, which were used for grafting the local selection cultivar of loquat at three different times (February 20, March 10, and March 30) during the dormant season. The experiment was laid down in a factorial Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD), involving 6 treatments, each with 5 grafts and 3 replications, resulting in 90 grafts. Data analysis was performed using analysis of variance (ANOVA), and means were separated using Duncan’s multiple range tests (P≤0.05). The loquat and quince rootstocks were grown through seed sowing and cuttings, respectively. Cleft grafting was employed as the grafting method, ensuring the cambium layers of the scion and stock in contact. Grafting success percentage, shoot length, shoot diameter, number of leaves per budling, leaf area, and chlorophyll content were evaluated. Results showed that loquat rootstock exhibited a significantly higher grafting success percentage (97.78%) compared to quince rootstock (84.44%). Regarding vegetative traits, loquat rootstock resulted in significantly longer shoots (11.74 cm) compared to quince rootstock (8.08 cm). The same rootstock showed a higher number of leaves per budling (8.47) and chlorophyll content (43.82 SPAD). Also, the highest significant grafting success percentage (100%) was achieved from the combination of loquat rootstock and two grafting times (February 20 and March 30). The combination of rootstock type and grafting time led to varying shoot characteristics.