<![CDATA[Background: Top grafting is an effective method for producing uniform and vigorous mango (Mangifera indica L.) seedlings, but successful graft establishment and subsequent growth depend on adequate nutrient and hormonal support. NPK 16-16-16 provides essential macronutrients for vegetative growth, while Atonik plant growth regulator (PGR) may stimulate physiological processes involved in graft establishment and shoot development. Objective: This study evaluated the interaction and individual effects of NPK 16-16-16 fertilizer and Atonik plant growth regulator (PGR) on the growth of top-grafted mango seedlings. Methods: The experiment used a 4 x 4 factorial Completely Randomized Design with three replications, comprising NPK 16-16-16 at 0, 2.5, 5, and 7.5 g polybag⁻¹ and Atonik PGR at 0, 50, 100, and 150 ppm. Grafting success rate, days to bud break, scion height, scion diameter, leaf number, shoot number, and shoot height were analyzed using ANOVA followed by Tukey's HSD test at the 5% significance level. Results: NPK 16-16-16 x Atonik interaction significantly affected days to bud break, scion height, scion diameter, leaf number, and shoot height, but not grafting success rate or shoot number. The N3A3 combination (7.5 g polybag⁻¹ NPK 16-16-16 + 150 ppm Atonik) produced the fastest bud break (28.00 days) and the greatest scion height (33.17 cm), scion diameter (6.27 mm), leaf number (16.67), and shoot height (27.17 cm). Conclusions: The combination of 7.5 g polybag-1 NPK 16-16-16 and 150 ppm Atonik is recommended to enhance the growth of top-grafted mango seedlings.]]>
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