Standardization of suitable month and growing conditions for softwood grafting in acid lime (Citrus aurantifolia L.) cv. Kagzi on Rangpur lime rootstock

An investigation on Acid lime (Citrus aurantifolia L.) cv. Kagzi is an important citrus crop valued for its high acidity, juice content and year-round demand, but seed propagation causes genetic variability and a long juvenile phase, making vegetative propagation necessary. Softwood grafting on Rangpur lime (Citrus limonia Osbeck) was standardized during 2024 -25 at KRCCH, Arabhavi, to identify the best grafting month and growing environmental conditions. Results showed significant effects of month, growing conditions and their interactions on sprouting, growth, vigour, biomass and survival, with polyhouse showing earliest sprouting (20.85 days) and superior growth, and 15th January recording maximum vigour and biomass. The combination C3M6 (15th January under poly house) recorded highest graft success (90.74%) and survival (92.86%). Thus, softwood grafting during mid-January under polyhouse conditions is recommended for producing vigorous, true-to-type, high-quality Kagzi lime plants.