Abstract:
Effect of stock 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. wild type, PB 86, RRIC 102, RRIC 121 and three
scion types viz. PB 86, RRIC 102 and RRIC 121 at a site located in RRISL Substation Moneragala
(IL1c). Treatments were arranged as four replicates according to 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 interactions were identified and further studies are needed to recommend suitable
stocks for higher yield and adaptability to the different agro-climatic regions.
