Identification of suitable Myristica species/related taxa as rootstock to combat drought in nutmeg

Abstract

A study was undertaken with the objective of identifying Myristica species which can withstand water scarce condition, and can be used as rootstock for grafting. Water stress was imposed on one-year-old potted plants by withholding irrigation till the plants wilted. Relative water content, chlorophyll content and protein content had significant positive correlation while membrane leakage had significant negative correlation with days taken for wilting. Ranking of species/genus viz., Myristica fragrans, M. beddomeii, M. malabarica, Knema andamanica and Gymnocranthera canerica was done based on these correlated parameters and also days taken for wilting. M. malabarica ranked first in terms of water stress tolerance, while M. fragrans and G. canerica ranked last and were termed as susceptible. Results of the study suggest that M. malabarica can be utilized as rootstock for nutmeg to combat drought.