Study of Possibility of Olive Propagation by Cutting- Grafts During Rooting

Olive is slow growing plant and its propagation takes long time. To overcome such a constraint, a study was carried-out to investigate the possibility of propagation of olive trees by cutting-grafts during rooting. Four experimental factors included timing of graft at two levels (before rooting and after rooting), grafting type at two levels (inverted T and splice), rootstock at two levels (Gorgan B and Shengeh), and scion source at three levels (Fishomi, Shirazy and Dezful). The experiment was conducted as factorial arrangement in randomized complete block design with four replications. Results showed that timing of graft and type of graft had significant effect on grafts survival. However, rootstock and scion source had no significant effect on the survival of grafts. Grafting after rooting improved grafts survival by 40%. Inverted T graft increased grafts survival by 30% while grafts survival in splice graft type was 22%. Timing of graft also significantly affected the duration required for transplanting of grafted cuttings. The duration was longer for grafted cuttings after rooting. In conclusion, inverted T graft on rooted cuttings are more suitable for transplanting in green-house.