Plant Propagation By Budding and Grafting

Wedge Graft

The Wedge Graft technique is effectively used in grafting large diameter stock , one and one-half diameter and larger. This technique is empolyed during the dormant season and terminated when the sap flow begins.

Equipment: Wedge Knife, Scion Knife Plastic Tip Hammer

Steps:

  1. The wedge knife is carefully driven through the bark into the hardwood, with a plastic tipped hammer to the depth equal to the caliper of the selected scion. In removing the wedge from the stock it is important that the wedge is nearly a perfect wedge
  2. Preparing the scion for placement, all cuts and shaping must be straight, clean cuts. The scion must make uniform contact along the walls of the opening.
  3. The tapered point of the scion must be placed slightly into the hardwood. The slight outward angle of the scion will assure satisfactory  crossing of the cambium cells. The scion should fit firmly into place, eliminating nails or tying
  4. All cuts and openings are promptly covered with grafting compound.

Bark Graft

The Bark Graft is generally used in large walnuts and pecans trees. Bark Grafting is done only after the sap has freed the bark from the hardwood. Scion must be selected during the dormant season and carefully stored until the bark slips.

Equipment: Scion Knife, Stapler or Small Nails

Steps:

  1. Two parallel cuts through the bark provide the opening for the scion. The bark must slip freely from the hardwood. The length of the bark flap should be four times the caliper of the scion.
  2. The scion is carefully cut to form a straight flat surface to obtain maximum cambium contact of stock and scion.
  3. Replace the flap and carefully staple in place, use 9/16 staples or 3/4 inch flat head nails.
  4. Cover all cuts and openings with grafting compound.

Side Graft

The Side Graft has a very wide range of uses in grafting from small twigs to branches up to one  and one-half inch in diameter. Side Grafting is done during the dormant season and is terminated when the sap flows.

Equipment: Side Grafting Knife Scion Knife

Steps:

  1. The initial long angle cut through the bark into the hardwood is accomplished in a single straight cut.
  2. The scion is shaped with two long tapered cuts to firmly fit into the stock. All cuts in shaping must be clean, single cuts to assure uniform effective cambium  contact.
  3. The scion is placed on a slight angle assuring that the cambium crosses both the scion and stock. The  scion is tied in place with plastic tape or rubber tie strips.
  4. All cuts and openings must be carefully covered with grafting compound.

Whip Graft

 The Whip Graft is a very versatile method of grafting plants. This technique is employed on very small plants in a greenhouse or on much larger plants in the field. Exact caliper of scion and stock material will assure consistant successful Whip Grafts.

Equipment: Scion knife, Plastic Tape or rubber Tie strips

Steps:

  1. The angle cut on the stock and scion must be straight and completed in a single cut. The lenght of these cuts should be three times the caliper of the stock.
  2. A small cut with the wood grain on both scion and stock will greatly assist in holding the scion on the stock until tying has secured the graft.
  3. Firmly securing the graft with plastic tape or rubber strips is essential.
  4. All cuts and openings including the top must be sealed with grafting compound.

The Snap Shield Bud

 The Snap Shield Bud technique is commonly used by nurserymen in budding fruit trees. Its application is used when immediate growth is forced through the newly placed bud. Forcing of this nature is consistently successful on small seedlings. The use of the Snap Bud technique is limited to early spring budding and is commonly referred to as 'June Budding'.

Equipment: Budding Knife and Rubber or Plastic Ties

Steps:

  1. A vertical incision is made only through the bark, being careful not to injure the cambium cells. Following this procedure, a horizontal cut is made through the bark forming a "T"
  2. In cutting the bud, a single cut is made from below the bud to an equal distance above the bud. The second cut is a cross cut above the bud resembling a shield. With thumb and index finger, the bud is carefully 'Snapped' off the hardwood and immdeiately inserted into the incision on the stock, hence the name "Snap Shield Bud."
  3. The bud should be very carefully slipped into the incision being careful not to damage the cambium cells.
  4. The procedure is completed by tying a rubber or plastic tie strip, apply equal tenison over the entire shield, especially immediately beneath the bud. The stock plant is cut back within 10 days of the newly placed bud.

The Slice Shield Bud

 The Slice Shield Bud technique is applied to a wide range of plants and conditions. It is also referred to as 'dormant budding' as it is used after the spring and summer growth is nearing maturity. The bud is inserted into the stock and allowd to heel-in and is not expected to grow until the lapse of one dormant season.

Equipment: Budding Knife, Plastic Tape or Rubber Tie Strip

Steps:

  1. A vertical cut through only the bark and a horizontal cut resulting in a "T", prepares the opening or incision for placing the bud.
  2. To remove the bud the budstick requires a single straight slice beneath the bud and a horizontal cut above the bud; completely slicing the bud from the budstick, hence the name "Slice Shield Bud."
  3. Carefully insert the bud into the incision avoiding any damage to the cambium cells.
  4. Warp the plastic tape or rubber ties applying uniform tension veer the entire area.

The Patch Bud

 The Patch Bud is used primarily on walnut, pecans, and persimmon trees. In most instances, immediate forcing of the newly placed Patch bud is desirable. Patch Budding is used when both stock and scion sap is flowing.

Equipment: Patch Budding Knife, Plastic Tape or Rubber Tie Strips

Steps:

  1. The Patch is removed from the stock utilizing the double bladed Patch buding knife. The two horizontal cuts are made with this knife. The less important vertical cuts are made separately.
  2. An identical cut is performed to remove the bud from the scion with the bud carefully centered. While removing the Patch from the scion stock  slight rotation of the Patch around the budstick will assure the "eye" of the bud to remain attached to the Patch.
  3. Carefully place the Patch with the new bud in the window ascertaining complete contact at both the top and bottom of the Patch. Small openings along the sides of the Patch are not important.
  4. The newly placed strips should be securely tied.

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