Studies on budding time and techniques on seedling rootstock of apple (Malus × domestica Borkh.) var. Red Delicious

Introduction

Apple (Malus × domestica Borkh.) is one of the most important temperate fruit crops globally, widely cultivated for its commercial and nutritional value. In 2023, global apple production reached approximately 97 million tonnes, with major contributions from China (~49.6 Mt), the USA, Turkey and India (FAO, 2024) [8] . In India, apple is predominantly cultivated in the Himalayan states of Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, where it forms the backbone of hill horticulture. According to the National Horticulture Board, Jammu & Kashmir contributes nearly 71% of national apple production (~909.6 thousand tonnes from 90.1 thousand ha), followed by Himachal Pradesh (180.6 thousand tonnes from 92.8 thousand ha) and Uttarakhand (~59.3 thousand tonnes from 51.8 thousand ha). (NHB, 2023) [17] . Commercial apple orchards are typically raised using vegetative propagation, particularly by budding or grafting scion cultivars onto seedling rootstocks such as crab apple (Malus baccata). However, propagation through seedlings introduces genetic variability due to cross-pollination, leading to non-uniform tree growth, prolonged juvenile periods and delayed bearing (Brown, 2011; Hartmann et al., 2011) [6,9] . Vegetative propagation through budding offers an efficient alternative, allowing true-to-type replication of cultivars and more uniform orchard establishment. Among the budding techniques, T-budding and chip-budding are most widely practiced in apple propagation. These methods differ in terms of technique, ease of operation, and success under varying climatic conditions. The success of budding is highly influenced by the timing of operation, as it depends on the physiological state of the rootstock and scion, particularly the activity of the cambial tissues (Hartmann et al., 2011) [9] . When compared to other tree propagation techniques like T-budding used in the apple propagation, new growth from chip buds is straighter and more uniform (Smith 2020) [22] .

Previous studies have reported that budding during active cambial flow, typically from mid-August to late September, improves bud take success and shoot growth (Ahmad et al., 2015; Thakur et al., 2024) [2,24] . The different timing of budding exhibited a significant negative correlation with bud take success, saleable plants, growth, and physiological traits. The highest bud takes success and plant growth was recorded in chip budding performed in the last week of August, significantly followed by budding performed in the 1st week of September (Verma et al., 2025) [25] . However, these responses are highly location-specific and influenced by temperature, humidity and altitude. In the Garhwal Himalayas, particularly in Bharsar, Uttarakhand, there is a lack of standardized recommendations for optimal budding techniques and timings suitable to mid-hill conditions. Farmers often rely on traditional practices without evidence-based guidance, which leads to inconsistent bud take and poor establishment of orchards. This study is novel in identifying a locationspecific optimum combination of budding time and technique for apple propagation under the mid-hill Garhwal Himalayan conditions, which differ markedly from other apple-growing regions of India. Although research on budding in apples has been conducted in other temperate zones, studies focusing specifically on Garhwal conditions remain limited and inconclusive. Unlike earlier studies that examined budding time or method independently, the present work demonstrates that their interaction significantly influences bud success and early vegetative growth of crab apple (Malus baccata). Therefore, in this study, apple plants were propagated using two budding methods T-budding and chip-budding performed at three different times (mid-August, end of August and mid-September). The resulting plants were evaluated for bud sprouting, success rate, shoot length, shoot diameter, leaf area and other physiological traits. This study aims to identify the most suitable method and timing combination to standardize apple propagation under mid-hill conditions of the Garhwal Himalayan region.

Materials and Methods

Experimental Site and Plant Material: This study was conducted during 2017-2018 at the fruit nursery field of VCSG UUHF, Bharsar, Pauri Garhwal, located in the mid-Himalayan region of Uttarakhand, India, under temperate agro-climatic conditions. The experimental materials consisted of scion buds from Malus × domestica cv. 'Red Delicious' and uniform, healthy crab apple (Malus baccata) rootstocks that were raised from seeds.

Irrigation and Fertilization Schedule: Slight irrigation was applied prior to bud planting to ensure a uniform soil surface and adequate moisture. For better success and growth, budlings were given frequent light irrigation, the field was kept weed-free, and foliar application of micronutrients was carried out at fortnightly intervals to promote faster growth.

Experimental Design and Treatment Details:

The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with a factorial arrangement, comprising two budding methods and three budding times, replicated four times. Each treatment plot consisted of 25 plants, amounting to a total of 600 budded plants.

Statistical Analysis:

The recorded data were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) to test the significance of treatment effects and their interactions. All statistical computations were performed using the OPSTAT statistical software developed by CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar (Sheoran et al., 1998) [19] . The average value of each treatment in each parameter was tested differently using (DMRT) Duncan multiple range analysis at the 5% level of probability on R-studio.

Results and Discussion

Number of days taken to bud spouting:

The number of days required for bud sprouting varied statistically significantly depending on the budding time and how it interacted with the strategies. Chip budding, which was carried out in mid-September (M 2 T 2 ), had the lowest number of days to bud sprouting (198.28 days). This early bud emergence could be caused by the rainy season's ideal climate, which includes high humidity, ideal temperature, and increased sap flow. These factors all work together to stimulate cambial activity and hasten the development of graft unions.

The results of the current experiment are supported by Ahmad et al., (2015) [2] , who similarly demonstrated a significant impact of budding technique and time on the number of days needed for bud sprouting in guava. They found that plants propagated by T-budding in September had the longest time to sprout (213.96 days), whereas those propagated by chip budding in August had the shortest time (174 days).

The percentage of sprouted budded plants was significantly impacted by time, budding techniques, and their combination, according to the data on sprouting percentage. Chip budding carried out in mid-September (M 2 T 2 ) had the highest sprouting percentage (91.00%), suggesting ideal physiological and environmental circumstances for bud establishment. Tbudding, which was carried out at the end of August (M 1 T 1 ), came next, and it showed 87.00% sprouting. Favourable moisture, temperature and cambial activity all essential for successful vascular connection and bud development may be the cause of the enhanced performance in mid-September.

These results are consistent with those of Zenginbal (2007) [28] and Howard (1977) [11] , who also noted that the first week to mid-September was when the greatest percentage of sprouted budded plants succeeded with chip budding in temperate fruits. Better scion maturity used for budding improved sprouting success. Favourable relative humidity and temperature during the post-budding period also supported bud growth. Higher sprouting observed from the last week of August to mid-September may be due to rapid sap flow in both rootstock and scion. These conditions likely ensured proper cambial and vascular continuity, which enhanced bud sprouting and aided the healing process. Callus connection was noted 15-20 days after budding, according to Hartmann et al., (2002) [10] , and at this time, budding shouldn't be subjected to extremes of temperature. T-budding at the end of September produced the lowest bud sprouting (74.00%) (M 1 T 3 ). According to Thakur et al., (2025) [23] , chip budding on June 22 produced the highest sprouting percentage (96.67%), which they attributed to the rootstock's active physiological state and ideal climatic conditions at that time. Data represented under table 1 and fig. 1.

The budding growth data indicated that the length of the longest bud sprout (51.43 cm), which was recorded at its maximum from chip budding in mid-September (M 2 T 2 ), was significantly influenced by budding time, procedures and their interaction. The favorable climate and higher leaf count, which enhanced the rate of photosynthesis and hence the creation of carbohydrates, are the causes of the increased average length of bud sprouts. These findings support those of Zenginbal (2014) [27] , who found that in apples grown in cool climates and at high elevations, the Mondial Gala cultivar, grafted using the chip budding method, had the longest shoot length (66.00 cm), while the Red Chief cultivar, grafted using the T-budding method, had the shortest shoot length (42.30 cm). Thakur et al., (2025) [23] reported that the greatest scion length (92.70 cm) was produced using chip budding on June 22. Chip budding on May 22 yielded the highest scion length (139.42 cm), according to Sharma et al., (2024) [18] . This suggests vigorous vertical development because of favourable physiological and environmental conditions that facilitated rapid shoot elongation.

Regarding shoot diameter, the data relating to the interaction between various budding techniques and time was determined to be relevant. Chip budding in mid-September (M 2 T 2 ) displayed the largest shoot diameter (0.89 cm), followed by T-budding at the end of August and chip budding at the end of August (0.72 cm).

Better bud growth, which increases the absorption and transport of nutrients from the soil and actively participates in a variety of plant metabolic processes, may be the cause of the larger shoot diameter with the best time and techniques (Singh, 2001) [20] . At the end of September, Tbudding showed a minimum shoot diameter of 0.38 cm (M 1 T 3 ).

A statistical examination of the data by Celik et al., (2006) [7] showed that the maximum shoot diameter (0.684 cm) of kiwi budding was significantly influenced by the dates, procedures, and their interaction with regard to stem thickness.

According to a statistical study of the data by Ahmad et al., (2012) [1] , budding dates, techniques, and their combination significantly impacted the stem thickness of guava budding. Plants budded in September using T-budding had the highest stem thickness (58.425 cm), whereas plants budded in August using chip budding had the lowest (53.150 cm). Zeb (2002) [26] conducted a statistical analysis of the data and found that the highest shoot thickness (1.90 cm) observed during peach budding was significantly influenced by budding dates, procedures, and their interaction. Chip budding on June 22 produced the largest scion diameter of 0.503 cm, according to Thakur et al., (2025) [23] . The 22nd May treatment also showed the largest scion diameter (1.268 cm), indicating stronger graft union and vigorous radial growth, which were probably aided by active cambial activity at the time (Sharma et al., 2024) [18] . Data presented under table 2 and fig. 2.

Number of branches per budded plants:

According to the data collected on the number of branches, there was a substantial interaction between time and various budding techniques. Midway through September (M 2 T 2 ), chip budding produced the most branches (34.93), while Tbudding followed at the end of August (31.51). A higher number of branches could result from improved use of nitrogen, stored carbohydrates, and other elements. At the end of September (M 1 T 3 ), T-budding had the smallest number of branches (7.77).

The findings are consistent with Ahmad et al., (2012) [1] , who examined the impact of varying budding times on peach bud take success on peach rootstock that was budded at various intervals throughout June. The plants budded on June 15th showed the highest number of branches (14.8). The average branch count was significantly impacted. According to research by Maryam et al., (2015) [16] , the Guissi sour cherry scion grown in August using chip budding had the most lateral branches. Chip budding produced the same outcomes in Hungry Sour Cherry Scion when compared to other techniques. Bud formation occurred earlier in chip budding because the rootstock and scion formed a tight connection.

Number of leaves per budded plants:

The data on the number of leaves per plant demonstrated that the interactions between various budding times and techniques were also shown to be significant in relation to the number of leaves. Midway through September (M 2 T 2 ), chip budding produced the most leaves (70.47), followed by T-budding at the end of August (M 1 T 1 ), and T-budding at the end of September (M 1 T 3 ) produced the fewest leaves (25.52).

Better bud growth and more branches may be the cause of the increased number of leaves using the best timing and techniques. The increased number of leaves could be the result of favourable weather conditions. This increased soil nutrient uptake and translocation plays an active role in a number of plant metabolic processes. Plants budded on June 28 had the greatest leaves per plant (37.00), whereas those budded on June 7 had the fewest leaves per plant (12.00), according to Hussain et al., (2000) [12] . Their findings were consistent with these outcomes. Peach plants budded utilizing chip budding on August 28th had the most leaves (292.54), according to Akhtar et al., (2000) [3] . This could be because the budding growth produced the most branches. Under ideal budding conditions, Kumari et al., (2021) [15] found that sweet cherry nursery plants produced the most leaves (53.16). Strong shoot development and rapid vegetative growth both necessary for photosynthesis and overall plant productivity are reflected in a greater leaf count. This implies that favourable physiological circumstances that promoted active leaf start and supported shoot elongation were given by the selected budding technique and timing. Maryam et al., (2015) [16] found that the Guissi sour cherry scion treatment, which used chip budding, produced the most leaves in August. Similarly, the Hungry sour cherry scion treatment also used chip budding to produce the most leaves in August. Buds grew, germinated, and absorbed water and nutrients more quickly as a result of improved and earlier chip budding. Data presented under table 3 and fig. 3. Leaf area (cm 2 ): In terms of leaf area, the relationships between various budding times and techniques were also found to be important. T-budding produced the largest leaf area (24.22 cm2) at the end of August (M 1 T 1 ) and chip budding followed at the end of August (M 2 T 1 ). This may be because, in contrast to chip-budded plants, T-budded plants sprout early, have leaf emergence, and grow vegetatively more quickly. At the end of September, T-budding produced the smallest leaf area (16.58 cm2) (M 1 T 3 ). The findings are consistent with those of Kumar and Ananda (2002) [14] , who found that the highest leaf area on chip budding occurs in August and that the maximum number of leaves is directly correlated with the leaf area. Zeb (2002) [26] noted that Florida King, which was budded on the Peshawar indigenous rootstock of peaches, had the largest leaf area (45.26 cm2).

Increased individual leaf development is shown by the maximum leaf area (23.37 cm 2 ) noted by Kumari et al., (2021) [15] , which has a direct effect on the photosynthetic efficiency of the plant. Bigger leaves provide a larger surface area for gas exchange and light absorption, which improves the buildup of carbohydrates. Better cellular growth and nutrient uptake are reflected in this increase in leaf area, which may be the consequence of a strong graft union and robust root-shoot communication.

The relationship between budding technique and time has a substantial impact on the success rate of budded plants. The chip budding that was done in mid-September (M 2 T 2 ) and the Tbudding that was done at the end of August (M 1 T 1 ) had the highest success rates (81.00%). This implies that during these times, the scion and rootstock had the best physiological compatibility possible, which was reinforced by ideal environmental circumstances that improved vascular union and bud establishment in general. The better success may be owing to combined influence of congenial temperature, humidity and active state of scion and stock tissues, during this phase which promotes maximum regeneration of parenchyma cells in cambium region. It is owing to the fact that budding in September generate optimal environmental conditions for the healing process of bud wounds and resulting in the establishment of normal vascular tissues at the bud union which result in optimum plant survival. The minimum success rate of plants (51.00%) was obtained with T-budding on end of September (M 1 T 3 ). Similarly, budding late in the growing season contributed to unfavorable conditions for healing process which resulted in the poor formation of normal vascular tissue at the bud union.

The outcomes of the study conducted by, Khattak et al., (2002) [13] observed in case of propagation methods (chip budding) of guava produced improved success of budded plants (80.00%). Beltz (1989) [5] obtained more than 80.00 percent bud-take with chip budding in fruit trees. Ananda et al., (1998) [4] observed that highest percent of bud-take success (96.25%) chip budding in apple was recorded during October month in apple. Singh et al., (1986) [21] reported that budding done in mid of September (T 3 ) offered the highest percent of success (95.30%), followed by mid of August (92.00%). Verma et al., (2025) [25] The largest bud takes and plant development were obtained via chip budding during the last week of August, followed by budding during the first week of September. According to Thakur et al., (2025) [23] , chip budding on June 22 had the greatest bud take success percentage, 96.67%. According to Kumari et al., (2021) [15] , the chip budding method produced the best percentage of bud-take success (52.21%). This could be because there is less necrotic tissue in the blanking between the scion and rootstock in chip budding, which leads in superior cambial continuity and vascular integration. Data represented under table 4 and fig. 4.

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