Propagation of Fruit Trees by Grafting

Reasons

Grafting is a popular method of propagating fruit trees.It has several advantages:

ØIt is possible to change cultivars.If a new, more desirable cultivar comes out, it is possible to graft it onto the old trees.This prevents the hassle of replanting.

ØYou can also take advantage of the rootstock’s characteristics.For instance, most apple trees aren’t hardy enough to grow in our climate (North Dakota and Minnesota).However, they can be grafted onto a hardy rootstock like Midwest Crabapple allowing them to be grown here.

ØGrafting can also produce more desirable plant forms.For instance a certain orchard may wish to produce dwarf trees for easier harvesting.This can be done through grafting.

ØThe time required for a seedling to flower and fruit can be greatly reduced by grafting it onto a mature tree.

ØGrowth habit, flowering color, and fruit size, color and quality are also more uniform in grafted trees than in seed grown trees.

These are just some of the many advantages to grafting.

Methods

There are several different types of grafts, each with its own distinct advantages and downfalls.The main thing each method has in common is that the cambium tissue of the scion and the rootstock must be matched up.

The cleft graft is very simple and produces a strong bond between the scion and the rootstock.It can be performed on rootstocks from 1 to 4 inches in diameter, with scion wood around ¼ inch in diameter.The scion, as with most grafts should have from 3 to 5 buds. Here’s an outline of the process:

The bark graft is best used in top working fruit trees.The rootstock can be as large as 12 inches in diameter, with the scion remaining around ¼ inch.This graft must be done when the bark slips from the wood, (typically early spring).Basically, what is done is the bark is peeled back and the scion is inserted.Below is a diagram of one method of performing a bark graft:

The whip and tongue graft is another popular method of top working.It is considered to be stronger than the bark graft and easier to match cambium tissues than the cleft graft.The scion and rootstock should be about the same size and no more than ½ inch in diameter.Both the scion and rootstock are cut at the same angle, and then a second cut is made, allowing the two pieces to interlock providing a tight bond.Here’s what the process looks like:

Resources

·“Grafting and Budding Nursery Crop Plants.”North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service.North Carolina State University.www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/hil/grafting.html

·“Grafting Fruit Trees and Ornamental Plants.”www.freeplants.com

·Lee, Dr. Chiwon.“Techniques of Grafting”Notes.www.ndsu.nodak.edu/instruct/chlee/plsc368

·Manners, Malcolm M. “Hints for Successful Grafting and Budding.”www.ars.org/grafting.html