Propagation studies in Bael

Introduction

Bael (Aegle marmelos L. Corrêa) is an important hardy fruit crop belonging to the Rutaceae family, prevalent in India and various regions of tropical and subtropical South and Southeast Asia. In English, it is widely referred to as Bengal quince, Indian quince, holy fruit and Golden apple, whereas in Hindi, it is known as bael or bilva (Sharma et al., 2013) [14] . This tree has been linked to traditional Indian medicine for centuries as its fruits, leaves, bark, roots and seeds being employed in Ayurvedic and other medicinal applications (Baliga et al., 2011) [1] . Bael is found growing in countries including India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand and most nations in South-East Asia Mortan. Bael is predominantly found flourishing at the foothills of the Himalayas, particularly in areas like Uttranchal, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, the Deccan Plateau and the eastern coastline (Singh et al., 2023) [16] . As per the 2024-25 First Advance estimates, India recorded about 9.27 thousand hectares area under bael cultivation, yielding an annual production of 64.74 thousand tonnes. Odisha emerged as the leading state in bael production, with 7.30 thousand hectares area and a production of 46.36 thousand tonnes. In Chhattisgarh, bael was grown on 0.08 thousand hectares, resulting in an estimated production of 0.53 thousand tonnes. (Department of agriculture and farmers welfare, GOI, 2025). Traditionally, bael has been propagated via seeds. However, there is a notable limitation associated with the progenies from seeds, as they generally do not remain true to type, has a lengthy juvenile phase and inadequate production, productivity and quality of fruits. To obtain true-to-type planting materials, vegetative propagation methods are essential. Among these techniques, budding, grafting, layering, and the use of root suckers are prevalent for the multiplication of bael. Currently, patch budding and softwood grafting are increasingly being utilized in commercial settings for bael propagation (Singh et al. 2018) [17] .

Materials and Methods

The present investigation entitled "Propagation studies in bael" was conducted during 2025-26 at Fruit Nursery, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola with the objectives to study the effect of chip budding and softwood grafting success in bael, to find out suitable method and time of propagation in bael. The experiment was laid out in Factorial Randomised Block Design (FRBD) with twelve treatment combinations replicated three times considering method of propagation as first factor with two levels M1 (Chip budding), M 2 (Softwood grafting) and time of propagation as second factor with six levels T 1 (3 rd week of July), T 2 (1 st week of August), T 3 (3 rd week of August), T 4 (1 st week of September), T 5 (3 rd week of September), T 6 (1 st week of October). 1 year old rootstock was selected for propagation. The budding and grafting operations were performed for six times starting from 3 rd week of July to 1 st week of October with the interval of 15 days. The observation was recorded after 180 days of budding and grafting.

Results and Discussions Number of days to sprouting

The days to sprouting were significantly influenced by different method of progaagation, time of propagation and their interaction in bael as represented in table 1. Significantly, the least number of days to sprouting (20.00 days) was recorded in M2 (softwood grafting), whereas the longest duration (24.50 days) was recorded in M 1 (chip budding). Similar results have been reported by Maurya et al. (2025) [6] in bael. For different time of propagation, significantly, minimum days to sprouting were observed in T 2 i.e., 1 st week of August (17.51 days), which was at par with T 1 i.e., 3 rd week of July (18.97 days). While maximum days were taken to sprout in T 6 i.e., 1 st week of October (26.94 days). It might be due to good sap flow in the bark and also because of the weather conditions such as optimum temperature and high humidity during that period, because of which early sprouting occurs. Among different treatment combinations, Minimum days to sprouting were observed in M 2 T 2 i.e., softwood grafting performed during 1 st week of Aug (16.28 days), which was at par with M 2 T 1 i.e., softwood grafting on 3 rd week of July (17.86 days) and M 2 T 3 i.e., softwood grafting on 3 rd week of Aug (18.25 days). Whereas, maximum days to sprouting were recorded in M 1 T 6 i.e., chip budding on 1 st week of October (29.78 days), which was statistically at par with M 1 T 5 i.e., chip budding on 3 rd week of Sept (28.42 days). The results following the pattern of Muniyappan et al. (2019) [9] in jamun. The earlier sprouting was recorded in softwood grafting, particularly during 1 st week of August may be because of favourable conditions prevailing during that period, which promote better cambial activity, rapid callus formation and better graft union.

The data presented in table 2 represents significant difference in bud sprouting. Significantly, maximum bud sprouting (70.00%) was recorded in M 2 (softwood grafting) and minimum bud sprouting (40.00%) was recorded in M 1 (chip budding). Among different time of propagation, maximum bud sprouting (76.67%) was recorded in T 2 i.e., 1 st week of August, which was followed T 3 i.e., 3 rd week of August (66.67%). Whereas, the minimum bud sprouting (20.00%) was recorded in T 6 i.e., 1 st week of October. A similar pattern was noted by Rani et al. (2015) [10] in guava.

The interaction effect was also significant. Significantly, the highest rate of bud sprouting was observed in M 2 T 2 which involved softwood grafting performed during the first week of August (86.67%), followed closely by M 2 T 3 representing softwood grafting performed during the third week of August (80.00%). These two treatments are statistically at par with each other. Conversely, the lowest bud sprouting was noted in M 1 T 6 corresponding to chip budding performed during the first week of October (20.00%), which was similar to M 1 T 1 indicating chip budding in the third week of June (26.67%). The increased sprouting percentage recorded for softwood grafting in the first week of August can be attributed to the favorable conditions of temperature, humidity, and moisture prevalent during that period. These results align with the findings of Sharma (2019) [13] in the same species.

Sprout shoot length

The sprout shoot length was significantly influenced by different method, time and their interaction as shown in table 3. Significantly, maximum sprout shoot length was observed in M 2 i.e. softwood grafting (25.97 cm), while, minimum sprout shoot length was observed in M 1 i.e. chip budding (23.77 cm). Among different time of propagation, significantly, maximum sprout shoot length (31.31 cm) was observed in T 2 i.e., 1 st week of August which was followed by T 1 i.e., 3 rd week of July (29.48 cm). These two treatments were statistically at par with each other. While, minimum was recorded in T 6 i.e., 1 st week of October (18.09 cm). The observed increase in sprout shoot length can be ascribed to favourable atmospheric conditions, particularly elevated temperature and humidity. Similar results have been reported by Sonawane et al. (2012) [18] also found longer sprout shoot length in the month of July. The interaction effect also showed significant difference, Maximum sprout shoot length was observed in M 2 T 2 i.e., softwood grafting performed during 1 st week of August (32.14 cm) which is statistically at par with M 2 T 1 i.e., softwood grafting performed during 3 rd week of July (31.75 cm) and M 1 T 2 i.e., chip budding performed during 1 st week of August (30.48 cm). While, minimum sprout shoot length was observed in M 2 T 6 i.e., softwood grafting performed during 1 st week of October (16.84 cm). Favourable temperature and humidity during the early August may have promoted better graft union formation and active growth of the scion, resulting in longer sprouts, particularly under softwood grafting. The present results are in conformity with the findings of Jamoh et al. (2021) [5] in pomegranate.

The scion diameter was significantly influenced by different method and time of propatation. Significantly maximum scion diameter was observed in M 2 softwood grafting (5.47 mm) which was statistically at par with M 1 chip budding (5.18 mm). This could be attributed to inadequate bud union during the chip budding process. For different time of propagation, Significantly, maximum scion diameter was observed in T 1 i.e., 3 rd week of July (6.45 mm), followed by T 2 i.e., 1 st week pf August (6.02 mm). These two treatments were statistically at par with each other. While, the minimum scion diameter was recorded in T 6 i.e., 1st week of October (3.99 mm). The findings are consistent with those of Tripathi (2001) [19] in bael. The interaction between method and time of propagation did not show a significant effect on scion diameter. [9] in jamun. Among different time of propagation, significantly, maximum leaves per graft (27.13) was observed in T 2 i.e., 1 st week of August, which was followed by T 1 i.e., 3 rd week of July (24.84), while minimum was observed in T 6 i.e., 1 st week of Oct (14.28). This may result from the increased height of plants, leading to a greater number of leaves, an extended growing season, and a more vigorous growth phase. Similar results were recorded by Misra et al. (2001) [7] in bael, Ghosh et al.

(2012) [3] in bael. The interaction effect between method and time of propagation was non-significant for number of leaves graft -1 .

Leaf area was significantly influenced by different method and time of propagation. Significantly, maximum leaf area was observed in M 2 softwood grafting (39.28 cm 2 ). Whereas, the minimum leaf area was observed in M 1 chip budding (36.94 cm 2 ). It might be due to fact that the softwood grafted plants were earlier in sprouting and leaf emergence and faster in further vegetative growth as compared to chip budding. Among different time of propagation, Significantly, maximum leaf area was observed in T 2 i.e., 1 st week of Aug (43.55 cm 2 ), followed by T 1 i.e., 3 rd week of July (39.98 cm 2 ). While, the minimum leaf area was recorded in T 6 i.e., 1 st week of Oct (33.82 cm 2 ) which was closely followed by T 5 i.e., 3 rd week of September (35.55 cm 2 ) and T 4 i.e., 1 st week of September (36.85 cm 2 ). These treatments were statistically at par with each other. The present results are in support with the findings of Sharma (2019) [13] in bael. No significant interaction was observed between the method and time of propagation for the leaf area.

Branch graft -1

The data regarding the branch graft -1 influenced by different method of propagation and time of propagation was recorded and presented in Table 7. Significantly maximum branch graft -1 was observed in M 2 softwood grafting (4.91). Whereas, the minimum branches per graft was observed in M 1 chip budding (3.99). Differences in branch number may be due to variation in graft/bud establishment and efficiency of water and nutrient translocation, resulting in differences in shoot development. Among time of propagation, significantly, maximum branches per graft was observed in T3 i.e., 3 rd week of Aug (5.20), which was statistically at par with T 2 i.e., 1 st week of Aug (4.97). While, the minimum branch per graft was recorded in T 6 i.e., 1st week of October (3.57). The similar trend has been recorded by Rawat et al.

(2023) [11] in Jamun. The interaction effect between method and time of propagation also show significant difference, significantly, maximum branch graft -1 was observed in M 2 T 3 i.e., softwood grafting performed during 3 rd week of Aug (5.52) which was statistically at par with M 2 T 2 i.e., softwood grafting performed during 1 st week of Aug (5.42) and M 2 T 4 i.e., softwood grafting performed during 1 st week of Sept (5.31). While, minimum branches per graft was observed in M 1 T 5 i.e., chip budding performed during 3 rd week of Sept (2.95) which is statistically at par with M 1 T 6 i.e., chip budding performed during 1 st week of October (3.25).

The data regarding fresh weight of roots influenced by different method of propagation and time of propagation was recorded and presented in Table 8. Notably, the highest fresh weight of roots was recorded in M 2 , which corresponds to softwood grafting (33.18 g), whereas the lowest fresh weight of roots was noted in M 1 , or chip budding (31.26 g). Among different time of propagation, Significantly, maximum fresh weight of roots (38.93 g) was observed in T 3 i.e., 3 rd week of August which was statistically at par with T 4 i.e., 1st week of September (37.33 g), while, minimum was recorded in T 6 i.e., 1 st week of October (27.13 gm). It might be due to the prevalence of favorable atmospheric conditions like temperature and humidity which are favorable for the vegetative growth. Such conditions are beneficial for promoting plant growth (Sarfaraz et al. 2023). The variation in the fresh weight of roots due to the interaction of propagation method and time was statistically non-significant.

Dry weight of roots varied significantly by the influence of propagation method, propagation time and their interaction. Significantly, maximum dry weight of roots was observed in M 2 i.e. softwood grafting (11.60 g), while, minimum fresh weight of roots was observed in M 1 i.e. chip budding (10.21 g). Among time of propagation, Significantly, maximum dry weight of roots (13.66 g) was observed in T 3 i.e., 3 rd week of August which was followed by T 4 i.e., 1st week of September (12.15 g), while, minimum was recorded in T 6 i.e., 1 st week of October (9.14 g). Among different treatment combinations, Maximum dry weight of roots was observed in M 2 T 3 i.e., softwood grafting performed during 3 rd week of August (15.25 g) which was followed by in M 1 T 4 i.e., chip budding performed during 1 st week of September (12.84 g) and minimum fresh weight of roots was observed in M 1 T 6 i.e. chip budding performed during 1 st week of October (8.23 g). The variation in dry root weight across method and time combinations can be attributed to differences in root development and nutrient uptake. Favorable treatment combinations lead to better root development, enhancing nutrient absorption and supporting improved plant growth, resulting in greater accumulation of photosynthates and dry matter. (Sharma et al. 2020) [15] . [4] in wood apple and Maurya et al., (2025) [6] in bael. Among time of propagation, Significantly, maximum final survival of grafts (71.11%) was observed in T 2 i.e., 1 st week of August which was followed by T 3 i.e., 3 rd week of August (61.11%). While, minimum was recorded in T 6 i.e., 1 st week of October (25.55%). The interaction effect was also significant, Maximum final survival of grafts was observed in M 2 T 2 i.e., softwood grafting performed during 1 st week of August (80.00%) which is statistically at par with M 2 T 3 i.e., softwood grafting performed during 3 rd week of August (73.33%) and M 2 T 1 i.e., softwood grafting performed during 1 st week of July (73,33%). While, minimum final survival of grafts was observed in M 1 T 6 i.e. chip budding performed during 1 st week of October (15.55%). The highest final survival rate observed under the interaction M₂T₂ can be ascribed to the beneficial combination of softwood grafting techniques and the favorable climatic conditions experienced in the first week of August. Similar results reported Muniyappan et al. (2019) [9] in jamun. Similar trend has been observed by Hariharan et al. (2021) [4] in wood apple.

Conclusion

The present investigation entitled "Propagation studies in bael'' revealed that the method and time of propagation significantly influenced the success of chip budding and softwood grafting in bael. Softawood grafting found to be more suitable method of propagation in bael outperforming chip budding in various growth parameters. Among the different times of propagaation, 1 st week of August found to be the most suitable time for propagation in bael recording earlier sprouting, highest sprouting percentage, sprout shoot length, number of leaves per graft, leaf area and final survival of grafts. Overall, the treatment combination, softwood grafting on 1 st week of August found to be more effective for propagation in bael.

Acknowledgement

AcknowledgementI am thankful to the Department of Fruit Science, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola and Central Research Station, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola, Maharashtra for providing the necessary facilities to carry out the experimental work.

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