International Journal of Horticulture, 2024, Vol.14, No.1, 11-17 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/ijh 12 Elasticity of grafting tape helps to prevent the loss of humidity and drying of bud sticks which aids in the healing process by producing wound tissue over the cut surfaces (Zenginbal et al., 2006). Farmers participating in the PMAMP program, specifically the PIU in the Jumla Super Zone, have introduced the Mailing series of rootstock (M111, M9, M6, and M7) in some high-tech nurseries. The rootstocks have been found susceptible to WAA. As Jumla is an organic zone, farmers cannot use chemical pesticides to control the infestation, and botanical pesticides have not been effective in controlling WAA in the mailing series. Currently, normal plastic is the primary wrapping material used at the farmer's level. However, using grafting tape instead of normal plastic would provide a better graft union. In 2008, the government of Nepal designated Jumla as an organic district (Lewison, 2019). The primary factors that hinder apple production in the Jumla district are various diseases and pests that affect both the trees and fruit such as Apple scab, Nectoria twig blight, Tent caterpillar, Woolly apple aphid, etc. (Subedi and Gautam, 2019). Due to the rise in the demand for organic apples and the susceptibility of Delicious varieties to pests and diseases, the introduction of new varieties, such as Gala, Fuji, and Spur varieties (Vance and Red Chief) was initiated in Jumla. This reflects Jumla's transition phase from subsistence farming to commercial farming, and there is an increasing demand for quality saplings. 1 Materials and Methods 1.1 Experimental site The experiment was conducted in an Apple nursery located at Chandannath municipality of Jumla district. The site was located in the high hills of Nepal at an altitude of 2,510 m. The experimental site comprises of temperate and dry climate with snow in winter. 1.2 Experimental materials One year-old disease-free rootstocks were taken and four varieties of scion, 10 cm long and having 2 buds each were collected from the Horticulture Research Station, Jumla. Tongue grafting was performed on the 8th ofMarch, 2023, and tied with two different types of wrapping materials. The grafts were left in the nursery for union success and observed at every 15-day interval. 1.3 Experimental design The experiment was conducted in two factorial Completely Randomized Block Design (RCBD) comprising 8 treatments and 3 replications. As a result, there were 24 plots with individual areas of 50 cm * 30 cm (1,500 cm sq.) which were designed for homogenous field conditions as present in our field. Each plot contained 10 saplings. Among these 5 plants were selected randomly for taking the measurement. 1.4 Treatment details The experiment was organized around two primary factors: scion variety and wrapping materials (Table 1). 1.4.1 Factor one–Scion varieties Four different varieties of apple scions which are common in Jumla district were selected. These varieties include: (1) Fuji (V1): The Fuji variety is known for its distinctive attributes like its sweet flavor, crisp texture, and appealing coloring making it a popular choice. (2) Royal Delicious (V2): Distinctive features of the Royal Delicious variety are its large conical shape with yellow skin covered with red strips. Sweet flavor and attractive colors make it a popular choice in the market. (3) Red Chief (V3): Red Chiefs are known for their delicious taste with cream-colored flesh. The fruit is large and conical in shape having red strips which is favored in retail markets. (4) Vance Delicious (V4): Vance Delicious has distinguishing features like deep red coloration with a sweet flavor and whitish flesh. 1.4.2 Factor two–Wrapping materials Two types of wrapping materials were selected and used to wrap the graft union which is necessary to prevent drying. These include:
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