Sapota chiku spacing softwood grafting Khirni rootstock planting establishment Gujarat
What spacing and grafting type should I use for sapota (chiku) and which rootstock is common?
BBharat Desai9 महीने पहले · 308 व्यू
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🌾Farmer.in Krishi Teamविशेषज्ञ ✓9 महीने पहले
Sapota is a long-lived evergreen tree, so spacing should allow for a large mature canopy, with common square planting around 8 m to 10 m apart, and closer spacing only if you plan canopy management. It is usually propagated by softwood or approach grafting, commonly on Khirni (Manilkara hexandra) rootstock which is hardy and suits a range of soils. Use grafts from a reliable nursery so the variety is true and the union is strong, and plant in well-drained soil because sapota dislikes waterlogging. Wind protection helps young plants establish in coastal Gujarat. Confirm the exact spacing, rootstock, and recommended variety for your area with your local horticulture department or KVK.
BBharat Desai9 महीने पहले
We planted our Kalipatti on Khirni rootstock near Navsari and it has handled our soil and the dry spells well over the years. The hardy rootstock was worth choosing, the trees are sturdy. Buy from a known nursery though, because we saw neighbours get weak unions from cheap grafts that broke at the joint later.
CChiman Patel9 महीने पहले
Since sapota grows into a big tree, we did not crowd it, and gave the wide square spacing so the mature canopies do not fight for light. In a patch where we planted closer for early returns, we have to prune regularly or the inside goes bare. If you go closer, commit to canopy management from the start.
DDilip Tandel9 महीने पहले
Wind protection saved our young coastal plants near Valsad, the strong sea breeze was rocking the grafts and loosening the roots. We staked them and put up a windbreak on the seaward side and establishment improved. Also keep the graft union above the soil and the field well drained, sapota really dislikes water sitting at the roots.