Grafting is one of the asexual reproduction methods for fruit trees, widely used in fruit tree cultivation. It takes advantage of the rootstock's beneficial traits (such as resistance, adaptability, early fruiting) while maintaining the excellent characteristics of the mother plant. Here are eighteen grafting methods.
1. Root Grafting
Root grafting uses the root system of the rootstock for grafting. After seedlings are out of the nursery, some roots remain which can be used for grafting. The method depends on the thickness of the rootstock, usually using cleft grafting or side grafting.
2. Indoor Grafting
Indoor grafting, also known as bench grafting, involves grafting the rootstock and scion indoors. It is often used for cultivating grafted grape seedlings and dwarf apple rootstocks. Indoor grafting is typically done in early spring and can be planted immediately after grafting.
3. Double Grafting
Double grafting involves grafting twice on the rootstock, creating a seedling with both an intermediate and a basal rootstock, combining their advantages. For example, to improve the growth vigor of pear varieties with low graft compatibility, an intermediate stock like Hardy pear is used.
4. Bridge Grafting
Bridge grafting involves grafting both ends of a branch onto the trunk to form a bridge, creating a new channel for nutrient and water transport. It is typically used to restore tree vigor and replace damaged bark. It can also be done using suckers or branches from the trunk, only grafting the upper end for easier survival.
5. High Grafting
High grafting involves grafting scions higher up on the fruit tree's canopy branches, hence the name. This method is usually performed during the growing season when the tree sap is flowing, with autumn being ideal. There are three main types: multi-head high grafting, main branch high grafting, and trunk high grafting.
6. Green Grafting
This method is mainly used on grapes, typically from April to July when the branches are semi-woody. It is often used for cultivating grafted grape seedlings or changing varieties.
7. Whip Grafting
Whip grafting, also known as splice grafting, involves cutting the rootstock and scion to identical slanted surfaces and joining them. For the best results, the diameters of the rootstock and scion should match, aligning the cambium layers to increase the success rate.
8. Inlay Grafting
Inlay grafting is an improvement on the bark graft, suitable for thicker scions. It is performed when both the rootstock and scion bark separate easily, usually in nurseries or high grafting situations. Grafting is done after the rootstock begins to bud.
9. Tongue Grafting
Tongue grafting involves making a tongue-like cut on the slanted surface of the rootstock and scion, then fitting them together. It is mainly used for indoor apple grafting and grape hardwood grafting, requiring similar thickness for both scion and rootstock.
10. Bark Grafting
Bark grafting, also known as rind grafting, involves inserting the scion between the bark and wood of the rootstock. This method is suitable for thicker rootstocks and thinner scions, often used in high grafting, branch grafting, bridge grafting, and rejuvenation grafting.
11. Cleft Grafting
Cleft grafting involves splitting the rootstock and inserting the scion into the cleft. The number of scions inserted depends on the rootstock's thickness, ranging from one to four. This method is best performed during the dormant period, just as the rootstock buds begin to swell.
12. Side Grafting
Side grafting involves making a vertical cut on one side of the rootstock and inserting the scion. It is often used for trees with thicker rootstocks and for correcting missing branches.
13. Approach Grafting
Approach grafting involves making a slanted cut on one side of the rootstock and inserting the scion. This method is versatile and can be used for both thick and thin rootstocks, suitable for nursery seedling cultivation and high branch grafting.
14. Square Bud Grafting
Square bud grafting involves cutting the bud patch into a square shape and matching it with a similarly sized cut on the rootstock. This method is suitable for thicker rootstocks and scions, often used in walnut and high branch grafting.
15. Flute Bud Grafting
Flute bud grafting, also known as whistle grafting, is used when the scion and rootstock are of similar thickness. Otherwise, tube bud grafting can be used. This method is commonly used for persimmon trees.
16. Veneer Bud Grafting
This is a type of bud grafting with wood attached, used mainly in autumn or spring. It can be performed whether the rootstock bark is slipping or not, making it highly efficient and widely applicable.
17. T-Bud Grafting with Wood
Typically, T-bud grafting does not involve wood. However, when the scion bark is difficult to peel, when the scion surface is not smooth, or when the scion bark is too thin, T-bud grafting with wood is used to improve the success rate.
18. T-Bud Grafting
The rootstock cut resembles a "T" shape, hence the name. The bud patch is shield-shaped, also known as shield budding. This method is mainly used in late summer and autumn when the new shoots are growing vigorously, and the scion bark separates easily.
These are the eighteen grafting methods. Each method is commonly used and varies depending on the season and tree species. Choose the appropriate method when grafting fruit trees for the best results.
