1. The Requirements of Successful Grafting
Plant Propagation

2. #1 The rootstock and scion must be compatible.
The rootstock and scion must be botanically related.
Graft Incompatibility: the failure of a rootstock and scion to form a successful graft union.

3. Amount of Botanical “Relatedness” Success or Failure of the Graft
Example
Success or Failure of the Graft
Within a cultivar/variety
‘Red Delicious’ on ‘Red Delicious’
Very successful
Between different cultivars/varieties within the same species
‘Red Delicious’ on ‘Jonathan’ Both are in the species Malus domestica
Usually successful
Between different species within the same genus
Prunus amygdalus (Almond), P. domestica (Eur. Plum), and P. salicina (Jap. Plum) on Prunus persica (Peach)
Sometimes successful
Between different genera within the same family
Cotoneaster on Crataegus
Both are in the Rosaceae Family
Remotely successful
Between different families
Fraxinus (Oleaceae) on Quercus (Fagaceae)
Usually impossible

4. Monocots cannot be grafted because they lack a continuous vascular cambium.

5. Monocot stem with scattered vascular bundles

6. #2 Proper technique.
The vascular cambium of the rootstock and scion must be in contact.
Sharp knife
Straight, flat cuts
Proper alignment
Tying the graft union to ensure good contact

7. #3 Proper timing.
For example, T-budding can only occur when the bark “slips” (separates).
Bench grafting is done on dormant rootstocks and scions.

8. #4 Proper selection and storage of scionwood.
Select the current season’s growth.
Remove the immature tip.
Use disease-free scionwood.
Select plump, ripe scionwood with plenty of stored carbohydrates.
Store scionwood cold and moist until needed.

9. #5 Proper aftercare.
Refers to how the grafted plant is cared for after grafting has occurred.
Protect the graft union against dessication.
Wax
Grafting case
Sphagnum moss
After bench grafting the ideal situation is to keep the graft union warm while keeping the scion dormant.
Hot callusing pipe

10. Grafting Case Schematic

11. Sphagnum Moss

12. Hot Callusing Pipe Schematic

13. #5 Proper aftercare, continued
Keep the grafted plant watered.
Head back the rootstock if necessary.
Unwrapping the union is sometimes necessary.

14. The End