Recommended videos.
10 reasons why grafting fails?
https://youtu.be/IfUGYzi9Yrc
The amazing method of grafting and its essence.
https://youtu.be/m37TWMhAU_8
How to do grafting perfectly, mechanisms, procedures, precautions, etc.
https://youtu.be/_-2Y00MK8-w
How to propagate avocados by layering.
https://youtu.be/jnHnYMZrGEE
Pruning that causes branches to wither and pruning that does not.
https://youtu.be/fHvYedCLKRk
10 tips for 'cuttings'. The difference between the right way and the wrong way.
https://youtu.be/saYaruWPSME
What is Grafting?
First, let's explain what grafting is and why it is done. Grafting is a technique where parts of different plants are joined together to grow as one. Typically, grafting involves a rootstock (the part with the roots) and a scion (the part that grows). This method is highly effective for growing plants with strong root systems while maintaining the characteristics of specific varieties.
So, why do we graft? There are four main advantages to grafting:
1. Accelerates the fruiting period
2. Creates dwarf trees
3. Allows propagation of specific varieties
4. Produces stronger trees
Accelerates the Fruiting Period
Generally, seedlings grown from seeds take many years to flower. Many fruits do not bear fruit until they flower, meaning there is a period of several years after planting during which no fruit is harvested. Young trees use their energy for growing the tree and branches, rather than forming flower buds. By grafting branches from trees that already form flower buds, the fruiting period can be accelerated.
Creates Dwarf Trees
Dwarfing refers to the characteristic of trees not growing large and staying small. Lower trees are easier to cultivate and manage, so many fruit growers prefer to keep their trees short. Grafted trees typically have compact growth as new shoots do not grow vigorously but instead form flower buds. Using dwarfing rootstocks can also allow tall varieties to be grown smaller.
Allows Propagation of Specific Varieties
For fruit growers, being able to propagate specific varieties is highly advantageous. Grafting makes it possible to increase rare or high-value varieties, those with superior characteristics, and those difficult to germinate. The genetic characteristics of the scion remain unchanged.
Produces Stronger Trees
While the genetic characteristics of the scion do not change, the rootstock influences the overall strength of the tree. For example, you can create trees with greater cold tolerance, drought resistance, and disease resistance. Selecting rootstocks with these traits is essential.
Other Advantages
Additionally, grafting can create interesting trees like cocktail trees, where multiple varieties grow on a single tree. Since many fruit trees have higher fruit set rates with cross-pollination, cocktail trees can be beneficial.
Understanding Tree Branches
To succeed in grafting, it’s important to understand the structure of tree branches. When you cut a tree branch in half, it is composed of the following tissues:
Pith: The soft, spongy cells in the center
Vascular Bundles: Surrounding the pith, consisting of phloem, cambium, and xylem
Bark: The outer layer, with inner bark (phloem), cortex, and epidermis
The critical area for grafting is the vascular bundles. Particularly, the cambium layer, arranged in a ring inside the branch, is responsible for cell division. When damaged, the cambium forms a healing tissue called callus, essential for successful grafting.
Within the vascular bundles, the xylem transports water and nutrients, and the phloem transports organic substances from photosynthesis. The key to successful grafting is aligning the cambium layers of the rootstock and scion.
Mechanics of Grafting
Grafting involves more than just joining the scion and rootstock. The key is to ensure the cambium layers of both branches connect properly.
1. Preparing the Rootstock and Scion**: Use a grafting knife to prepare the rootstock and scion. There are various grafting methods, but the fundamental principle is to align the cambium layers.
2. Connecting the Cambium Layers**: The cut surfaces of the grafted parts form a necrotic layer, but callus begins to form, breaking through this layer and connecting the cambium layers.
3. Callus Formation and Vascular Development**: After about two weeks, callus forms and develops into a connecting cambium layer, followed by the formation of phloem and xylem.
4. Union Formation**: Over several months, the rootstock and scion gradually become one, completing the grafting process, known as union formation.
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