Grafting & Budding Plant Propagation

Terminology

Stock; rootstock; understock: becomes the root system of the grafted plant. Scion: becomes the stems/branches (top) of the grafted plant. In grafting, the scion is typically 6-8 inches long. In budding, the scion consists of a single bud.

Interstock: a straight piece of stem grafted between the rootstock and scion. May be used to create specialty products like a “standard”. Double Working: term used to describe the process of using 2 grafting techniques to create a product. Topworking: grafting a new variety onto established trees. The apical wedge (cleft) graft is used extensively for this purpose.

A “double-worked” grafted plant with interstock. scion interstock rootstock

Diagrammatic representation of a standard.

Syringa meyeri ‘Palibin’ Some Examples of Standards Bald Cypress Syringa meyeri ‘Palibin’

Vascular Cambium: meristematic tissue located between the xylem and phloem. In order for the graft to be successful, the vc of the scion must be physically touching the vc of the rootstock.

vascular cambium

Callus: mass of cells developing from the wounded scion and rootstock. Compatible: a rootstock and scion are said to be “compatible” if they are sufficiently related, in a botanical sense, to form a successful graft union. Graft Union: the place on the grafted plant where the scion and rootstock are physically connected to each other.

Grafting & Budding Systems

Location where accomplished: Scion/Rootstock Considerations Grafting Systems System Location where accomplished: Season Scion/Rootstock Considerations Open Ground Grafting Outdoors Spring *Dormant scions *Rootstocks just beginning active growth Bench Grafting Indoors Winter *Dormant rootstocks either potted or bare-root Top Working *Rootstocks are established trees just beginning active growth

Open ground grafting: Inlay bark graft on Hickory

Bench Grafting

Bench grafting: Whip & tongue grafting onto pieces of bare-root rootstock

A “topworked” orchard

Location where accomplished: Scion/Rootstock Considerations Budding Systems System Location where accomplished: Season Scion/Rootstock Considerations Open Ground T-Budding Outdoors Summer *Rootstocks established in the field. *Bark must slip on rootstock. *Scion is a single bud. Open Ground Chip Budding Spring-Summer *Bark does not have to slip.

T-Budding: Preparing the rootstock

T-Budding: Preparing the scion

T-Budding: Bud insertion

Chip Budding Schematic

Reasons for Grafting & Budding

#1 Most trees cannot be easily propagated from cuttings and are either grafted or budded. #2 Many cultivars/varieties have poor root systems that can be improved by grafting. Selection of hardy, fibrous root systems. Size control in apples. Disease resistance.

#3 Changing varieties in an orchard using topworking. #4 Creating specialized products: Standards Weeping Mulberry

The End