"Homo- and Heterografting Effects on Compatibility and Growth in Dragon Fruit (Hylocereus spp.)"

Abstract

This two-year study (2024–26) at ANDUAT, Kumarganj, Ayodhya, evaluated homografting and
heterografting effects on graft compatibility and vegetative growth of Dragon fruit (Hylocereus spp.)
under subtropical nursery conditions. Six combinations—HeteroRS, HeteroRH, HomoR, HeteroWS,
HeteroWH, and HomoW—involving red- and white-fleshed scions grafted onto Acanthocereus
tetragonus, Cereus jamacaru, and homologous rootstocks were assessed up to 90 days after grafting
(DAG). Results showed HeteroRS and HeteroWS exhibited the fastest bud swelling (35.27 and 36.17
days) and highest graft success rates (89.17% and 87.33%), demonstrating strong compatibility with A.
tetragonus. In contrast, HeteroRH and HeteroWH took nearly 60 days for bud swelling, reflecting slower
vascular union with C. jamacaru, while homografts fell in between. By 90 DAG, HeteroRS and
HeteroWS recorded the tallest shoots (190.80 and 188.60 cm), whereas HeteroRH and HeteroWH
produced the greatest graft girth (up to 65.28 mm). Homografts consistently underperformed in shoot
height and girth despite genetic similarity between scion and rootstock. Correlation analysis revealed
bud-swelling duration was strongly negatively associated with graft success (r = −0.93**) and positively
linked to lateral shoot number (r = 0.91*). PCA identified two components explaining 99.48% of
variance, and cluster analysis grouped treatments by rootstock identity. Overall, heterografting
outperformed homografting, with HeteroRS/HeteroWS ideal for rapid establishment and
HeteroRH/HeteroWH better suited for structural vigor offering practical guidance for commercial
dragon fruit propagation.