Tree grafting is a horticultural technique whereby tissues of plants are joined so as to continue their growth together. It is commonly used to propagate fruit trees, ornamental plants, and some vegetables. Grafting can also be used to create new varieties, repair damaged plants, or enhance disease resistance.
In this article, we will explain some of the basic terms related to grafting and how they are used in different grafting methods.
Scion
The scion is the upper part of the grafted plant that provides the desired characteristics, such as fruit quality, flower color, or growth habit. The scion can be a single bud or a piece of stem with several buds. The scion should be healthy, dormant, and compatible with the rootstock.
Rootstock
The rootstock is the lower part of the grafted plant that provides the root system and supports the scion. The rootstock can influence the size, vigor, disease resistance, and cold hardiness of the grafted plant. The rootstock should be healthy, vigorous, and compatible with the scion.
Cambium
The cambium is a thin layer of cells between the bark and the wood of a plant stem. It is responsible for producing new tissues that increase the diameter of the stem. The cambium is essential for successful grafting because it allows the scion and rootstock to fuse together and form a vascular connection.
Graft Union
The graft union is the point where the scion and rootstock are joined together. The graft union should be tight, smooth, and well-aligned to ensure proper healing and growth. The graft union should also be protected from drying out, infection, or physical damage by using appropriate materials such as wax, tape, or plastic.
Grafting Methods
There are many different methods of grafting depending on the type of plants involved, their size and shape, and their stage of growth . Some of the common methods are:
- Cleft grafting: Cleft grafting is a method of plant propagation that allows the grower to combine two different plants into one. The plant that provides the roots is called the rootstock, and the plant that provides the shoots is called the scion.
- Whip & tongue: Whip and tongue grafting is a technique of plant propagation that involves joining a scion (a shoot or bud of a desired variety) to a rootstock (a plant with a well-developed root system) by making corresponding cuts on both parts and interlocking them together. The purpose of whip and tongue grafting is to create a strong and durable union between the scion and the rootstock, as well as to ensure a good contact between their cambium layers (the thin layer of cells that produce new growth).
- Bud grafting: Bud tree grafting is a propagation technique that involves inserting a bud from a parent plant into the bark of a rootstock plant. It is usually done in late summer when both plants are actively growing . The advantage of bud grafting is that it requires less scion material than other methods of grafting, and it can produce more uniform trees.
- Air Layering: Air layering is a propagation technique that allows you to produce new plants from existing ones without cutting them off or disturbing their roots. It involves wounding a section of a stem and wrapping it with moist sphagnum moss to encourage root formation.
- Rooting: Root tree drafting is a technique of propagating new trees by joining a scion (a shoot or twig) from a desired tree to a rootstock (a rooted plant) of another tree.
Read: Types of Tree Grafting
Conclusion
Tree grafting is a fascinating and valuable technique that can help to create new trees with desirable traits. By using a combination of scion and rootstock, grafting allows gardeners and farmers to create unique and productive trees. Whether you’re looking to improve the growth, health, or fruit production of your trees, grafting can be an effective tool. With a basic understanding of the terms and techniques involved, you can start experimenting with tree grafting and discover the many benefits it has to offer.