Question

Given below are two statements, one is labelled as Assertion (A) and other one labelled as Reason (R).
Assertion (A) : Veneer grafting and stone grafting are by far the best method of vegetative propagation in mango
Reason (R) : Scion stick can be carried to long distances and can keep well for 5-6 days
In light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below.

• A. Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
• B. Both (A) and (R) are correct but (R) is NOT the correct explanation of (A).
• C. (A) is correct but (R) is not correct.
• D. (A) is not correct but (R) is correct.

Hint:

Mango Grafting Methods (A): Veneer and stone grafting are indeed excellent and common methods for mango.
Scion Viability (R): Mango scion wood can be stored and transported for several days if handled properly.
Explanation: The good viability and transportability of scion wood (R) makes large-scale application of veneer and stone grafting (A) practical and efficient, contributing to why they are considered "best."

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Assertion (A): Veneer grafting and stone grafting are by far the best method of vegetative propagation in mango. This statement is true. Veneer grafting (on older rootstocks) and stone grafting (epicotyl grafting, on very young seedling rootstocks) are indeed highly successful, commercially adopted, and widely regarded as among the best and most efficient methods for vegetative propagation of mango. They offer high success rates and produce true-to-type plants. Reason (R): Scion stick can be carried to long distances and can keep well for 5-6 days. This statement is also true. Mango scion wood (mature, non-flowering shoots of the desired cultivar) can be harvested, properly packed (e.g., wrapped in moist paper/cloth and then in plastic), and transported over long distances. If handled correctly and kept cool, scion sticks can remain viable and suitable for grafting for several days (e.g., 5-6 days, sometimes longer under optimal conditions). This portability and reasonable storage life of scion wood are advantageous for large-scale propagation programs and for exchanging germplasm. Is (R) the correct explanation of (A)? Yes, (R) contributes to explaining why these methods are considered "best" or at least highly practical and widely adopted (A). The fact that scion wood is relatively durable and transportable (Reason R) makes large-scale grafting operations using methods like veneer and stone grafting more feasible and economical. If scion wood were extremely perishable or difficult to transport, these methods would be less practical, regardless of their biological success rate. The ability to source scion wood from elite mother trees located elsewhere and use it over a period of a few days enhances the efficiency and applicability of these grafting techniques, thus contributing to them being considered "best" or highly effective. Therefore, both statements are true, and the practicality afforded by scion wood viability (R) is a factor contributing to the widespread success and preference for these grafting methods (A). Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).