Rai S, Nepal A, Giri H, Manandhar HK and Rai R, 2026. Efficacy of top-working technique in kiwifruits (Actinidia deliciosa) under temperate conditions of Chitlang, Nepal. Agrobiological Records 24: 183-193. https://doi.org/10.47278/journal.abr/2026.036

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Kiwifruits (Actinidia deliciosa) is an economically important fruit crop in Nepal but faces propagation challenges, particularly in cultivar adaptation and orchard management. Top-working, a grafting technique used to replace underperforming cultivars without replanting, offers a promising solution. This study evaluated the effects of scion cultivar, grafting timing, and wrapping material on top-working success under the temperate conditions of Chitlang, Nepal. Three scion cultivars ('Abbott', 'Bruno', and 'Monty'), three wrapping materials (parafilm, green nursery tape, and transparent plastic), and four grafting times (mid-February to late March) were tested in a randomized complete block design with 36 treatment combinations with three replications. Results showed that mid-season grafting (late February to early March) significantly improved sprout length, diameter, leaf number, and relative chlorophyll index, particularly when parafilm was used as the wrapping material. 'Bruno' and 'Monty' cultivars exhibited superior growth performance compared to 'Abbott'. Grafting operations are conducted during optimal seasonal conditions, resulting in significantly improved results. The grafts sprout faster, and parafilm wrapping promotes better healing of the graft union and longer shoots. This demonstrates the crucial relationships among the grafting period, the scion cultivar, and the wrapping material. The results provide valuable suggestions for enhancing graft success and early plant development, as well as offer helpful insights for improving kiwifruit propagation and orchard management in Nepal.