The different factors to be taken into consideration for success in vegetative propagation through budding and grafting are as follows:
(i) The stock and scion should preferably belong to the same species or genus of the family.
(ii) The rootstock to be selected should be well suitable and compatible with different scion varieties.
(iii) The budding and grafting should be performed when the stocks are in active state of growth and there is sufficient flow of sap.
(iv) The thickness of stock and scion should preferably be the same i.e. of lead pencil thickness.
(v) The air must be excluded from the point of union and there must be very close contact between the cambia of both stock and scion. This contact at the graft joint may be affected by fastening them securely.
(vi) The budding or grafting joints should be well protected from the direct sun rays and rains until union is complete.
(vii) The stock and scion should be of appropriate age. Never use too old stock for grafting operation.
(viii) The bandage should be removed after successful union has taken place. Avoid girdling at the grafting joint by removing bandage at appropriate stage.
(ix) To keep the stock plants in active stage of growth, maintain sufficient moisture in the soil or in pots.
(x) A given budding or grafting method is not equally successful in all kinds of fruit plants e.g. T-budding is best method in citrus but it is failure in mango. Skilled workers, smoothness of cuts, tying and waxing also affect budding/grafting success.
(xi) The environmental factors like temperature, humidity and light have direct influence on stock-scion relationship:
a. Temperature have a profound effect on cell division and finally on callus formation. Callus formation is best at 26 – 29°C.
b. Low humidity in the atmosphere reduced budding/grafting success e.g. stone grafting in mango. Success in stone grafting is improved by keeping graft union in warm and moist conditions due to better callus formation.
c. Excess exposure to light also reduce grafting success as it cause desiccation of the scion.
(xii) Certain insect – pests and diseases play negative role in budding/grafting success. Stem borer, bacteria or fungi cause damage to graft union. Virus free bud wood results into greater success.