Grafting is a technique of joining two plants together so that they grow as one. The upper part of the grafted plant is called the scion, which produces the desired fruit or flowers, while the lower part is called the rootstock, which provides the root system and some characteristics such as disease resistance or dwarfing. Grafting can be used to propagate rare or valuable varieties, create new combinations of traits, or repair damaged plants.
One of the most important steps in grafting is obtaining scion wood from a healthy and desirable plant. Scion wood is a young shoot or sucker that is cut from a tree and used to graft onto a rootstock. Scion wood should be genetically identical to the plant from which it was taken, so that it matches well with the rootstock and produces consistent results.
But how do you obtain scion wood for grafting? Here are some tips and guidelines to help you:
- Collect scion wood in late winter or early spring, when the buds are dormant but not frozen . This ensures that the scion wood has enough stored energy and moisture to survive until it forms a union with the rootstock.
- Choose scion wood from healthy and vigorous plants that have good fruit quality, disease resistance, and adaptability to your climate . Avoid any wood with signs of damage, disease, or insect infestation.
- Select scion wood from one-year-old growth that is about pencil width (0.25 to 0.5 inches) in diameter . This type of wood will have mature buds that are ready to grow when grafted. Avoid any wood with spurs (fruit/blossom) as they may interfere with bud development.
- Cut scion wood into 18 to 36 inch long sticks with a sharp and clean pruning tool. Label each stick with the name of the variety and date of collection. Wrap them in moist paper towels or newspaper and place them in plastic bags. Store them in a cool (32 to 40°F) and dark place such as a refrigerator until you are ready to graft .
- Use scion wood within two months of collection for best results. If you need to store them longer, check them periodically for signs of mold, rot, or dehydration. Discard any sticks that are not viable.
By following these steps, you can obtain scion wood for grafting successfully. Remember to always use fresh and healthy scion wood from reliable sources and handle them carefully to avoid damage or contamination. Happy grafting!