Top Grafting Response Of Some Pawpaw (Asimina Triloba Dunal) Genotypes

Pawpaw or Northern banana (Asimina triloba Dunal) is a recently introduced and nearly unknown fruit with high nutraceutical potential. Originated from the Eastern part of USA. is the only representative of the Annonaceae family cultivated in temperate areas. In Romania was introduced in 1926 by loan Suciu family in Pianu Non, Alba County, who brought some seed from Ohio State. In the last 25 years, extended researches on the plant and new varieties were conducted at the Faculty of Horticulture within MAW Bucharest. The pawpaw usual applied propagation method is by seeds while the new selected genotypes require grafting to be extended in production. The aim of this study is to present the top grafting response of Simina, a new Romanian variety under registration and several genotypes from Lehman collection. Illinois, USA. The new genotypes were over grafted on mature trees, planted at 4.0 x 2.0 m. The grafting shoots were placed at different height levels in the tree to compare the success rate. Number of shoots, lengths. buds and flowering were monitored with the success grafting rate.