Morphometric parameters, cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) nuts germination and graft plant production time in Côte d’Ivoire

Abstract

The production of grafted cashew seedlings in Côte d'Ivoire lasts from four to six months. This causes late transplanting in the field. This study aimed at reducing the production time of grafted cashew plants. The effect of cashew nut morphometric parameters on germination, rootstock vigour and production time of grafted cashew seedlings was evaluated. Four genotypes, characterized by different nut sizes, were used as rootstocks. For sowing, 160 cashew nuts were used. Apical grafting, with semi-woody scions taken from trees of genotype LAX3264, was carried out on the rootstocks. Little variability was found in the length, width and thickness of the nut. On the contrary, the nut weight showed a high variability. Seed germination time was on average 5-8 days after sowing (DAS). The small nuts, from the PK23 genotype, had a long germination time. The production time of the grafted plants, on average 72 days after sowing, for all the genotypes, was shorter than the former production time which was 90 and 120 days. No significant differences were observed between the genotypes.