Asexual Propagation Grafting Original work from “Applied Technologies” edited and used with permission by Dr. Teri Hamlin

Table of Contents §Introduction to Plant Propagation §Sexual Propagation §Asexual Propagation l Stem, Leaf, Cuttings l Layering l Separation & Division l Budding and Grafting l Tissue Culture

Grafting §Grafting is a process by which two different plants are united so that they grow as one.

Grafting TERMS §Scion - the newly installed shoot or top of the plant §Rootstock - the seedling or plant used as the bottom half of the graft

Scion Rootstock

This is a REAL neat trick, but it doesn’t seem practical. Why would you choose to use it?

Reasons for Grafting: §To insert a different variety on part of the limbs of trees for cross-pollination §Obtain benefits of certain rootstocks

Benefits: §Disease resistant rootstocks §Stronger root systems §Dwarfing capabilities

Requirements for Success §Stock and Scion must be compatible §Cambium layers must match *Can’t graft monocots --Why? §Timing - scion should be dormant (NOT actively growing)

Types of Grafts §Whip Graft -- used when stock & scion are small and are the same size §Cleft Graft -- used in topworking trees -- stock is usually much larger than scion

Budding §Actually a form of grafting §A single bud is used instead of a scion §Budding is quicker §2 main types: - T-budding & Chip Budding

T-budding §Scion and Rootstock must be compatible §Bark must be slipping §Examples: apples, pears, peaches, plums, cherries, and roses

Chip Budding §Very similar to T-budding §Advantage: wood can be dormant, bark doesn’t have to slip §Widely used for grapes