1. In drought prone areas, grapes are propagated by softwood grafting / wedge grafting. Grape varieties like Thompson seedless, Tas-A-Ganesh, Sonaka etc. has good production potential however yield has reduced due to high soil salinity, drought and nematode attack. To over come this problem, wedge grafting in grape is practiced. Root stock becomes ready to graft within 6-8 months after planting and graft union formed in 30-45 days. Introduction

2. Dogridge, Ramsey (Salt creek), 1613-C and 110-R grow vigorously under adverse soil and climatic conditions. Among all these rootstocks, Dogridge gives higher yield in drought, salinity and nematode prone areas. Selection of Rootstock Dogridge Rootstock of Grape

3. Rootstock Planting Root stock stick of 20 cm long with 7- 8 leaves are planted in the field during February - March when temperatures are above 15 o C and favourable for shoot and root growth. Root stock Plantation should be install with drip irrigation system and follow timely plant protection measures. Selection of Scion Sticks Scion stick of desired variety with good yield potential and compatibility with root stock should be selected. Pencil thickness scion sticks of 5-6 cm length are treated with 0.1 % Carbendazim fungicide for 2 to 3 Hrs.

4. Rootstock accumulate sufficient amount of food material and attains sufficient thickness within 7-8 months up to August. Favourable climatic conditions i.e. 30 0 to 35 0 C temperature and 80 % relative humidity for successful grafting are available from August to September. Give a “V” shaped notch (vertical cut) of 2-3 cm long on root stock and prepare wedge shaped cut on scion stick. Insert scion stick in the notch of rootstock properly and tie the graft union with 1 cm polythene tape. Softwood / Wedge Grafting

5. Softwood Grafting in Grape “V” Notch on root stock Insertion of scion in “V” Notch Wrapping with polythene tape

6. Regular irrigation should be given to grafted plant to avoid mortality of grafted plants. Irrigate the field in early morning and evening to maintain essential humidity and temperature. Schedule for Pest and Disease Management Pest / DiseaseName of PesticideDose/lit er Flea beetle & ThripsImidachlopride 17.8 SL0.30 ml Flea beetle & ThripsChlothianidin 50 WDG0.12 gm Flea beetle & ThripsLambda cyhalothrin 5 EC0.50 ml Flea beetle & ThripsThimethoxam 25 WG0.25 gm Downy mildewMetalaxil M-4 + Mancozeb 64 WP2.5 gm After Care