Abstract:
Stock effect on scion performances is a critical factor to produce quality
planting materials, in bud grafting, for rubber industry. Selection suited stock- scion
combinations should be done to have a clonal authenticity relevant to a clone for
generations. This study was contributed to identify successful stock scion
combination/s to produce vigorous plants. Research activities were conducted using
12 budded plant combinations, belonged to most popular seed bearers and clones, as
treatments of four stock types viz. seedling, PB 86, RRIC 102, RRIC 121 and three
scion types viz. PB 86, RRIC 102 and RRIC 121 at a site located in RRISLSubstation
Moneragala (IL1c). Treatments were arranged as two factor factorial experiment in
the Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) and measurements were taken at
monthly intervals up to two leaf whorl stage. Stock diameter and height, scion shoot
diameter and height, time taken for bud breaking, leaf chlorophyll content, leaf area,
specific leaf weight and leaf thickness were recorded before and after bud grafting.
Data was analyzed using SAS (version 9.1) package. And significant means were
separated using Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at the 5% probability level.
Results revealed, that clone RRIC 102 is the most suitable stock to increase scion
growth, leaf area and specific leaf weight whilst stock type not effect for chlorophyll
content and leaf thickness.Although, clonal variations were recorded for leaf area, leaf
thickness, specific leaf weight and chlorophyll content of leaves irrespective to the
stock type. However, significant stock - scion combinations were identified and
further studies are needed to recommend suitable stocks for higher yield and
adaptability to the different agro-climatic regions.
