When is the best time for apple tree grafting to ensure a high survival rate
The editor answers related questions for netizens about when to graft apple trees for a high survival rate of green plants and flowers, with the following details:
When is the best time for apple tree grafting to ensure a high survival rate
For apple trees to ensure a high survival rate after grafting, it can be done between March to April or June to August. This is because in March to April, the sap begins to flow and the bark is easy to peel. Moreover, apple tree grafting can be divided into two types: bud grafting and branch grafting. The scion for bud grafting is usually a single bud, which needs to be done between June to August, as only during this period can the scion grow well, resulting in a relatively higher success rate for grafting.
Best time for apple tree grafting
Generally, apple trees can be grafted throughout the year. However, based on practical experience, the best time for grafting is when the sap begins to flow, which is during the spring.
When is the best month for apple tree grafting to ensure a high survival rate
Apple tree grafting between March to April or June to August has a high survival rate, and the grafting can also be divided into bud grafting and branch grafting. The scion for bud grafting is usually a single bud, which needs to be done between June to August.
What kind of rootstock can be grafted onto apple trees
Theoretically, plants with closer genetic relationships, such as other plants in the Malus genus, are easier to graft successfully. However, the most commonly used rootstocks in actual production are Malus prunifolia and Malus baccata.
Methods for apple tree grafting
There are many methods for grafting apple trees, including bud grafting, branch grafting, sleeve grafting, patch grafting, and side grafting. The two most commonly used methods with the highest survival rates are bud grafting and branch grafting, as they are simple to operate and easy to learn.
1. Bud grafting: The best time for bud grafting is usually between July to September when the branches are actively growing. Choose healthy, smooth-skinned branches as the rootstock. First, make a "T" shaped cut on the selected rootstock with a grafting knife, then choose a plump, disease-free bud and carefully剥离 it to match the length of the "T" cut, insert it gently into the "T" slot, and wrap it tightly.
2. Branch grafting: Use branches from fruit trees as scions, usually done between March to April while pruning. Choose branches with good growth and plump buds. Make a 45-degree diagonal cut 0.5 cm below the bud, and ensure the cut is sharp, smooth, and reaches 1/3 of the central woody part of the branch. Then, make a cut of the same length on the selected rootstock and insert the cut scion into the cut, wrap it tightly with plastic tape, leaving no gaps. Depending on the thickness of the rootstock, more than one scion can be inserted into one cut.
Good post-grafting care of apple trees results in a high survival rate
1. Check and graft supplementally in time: After early spring grafting, check the survival rate between 15-25 days; after summer grafting, check after 7 days; after autumn grafting, check after 10 days. If the scion or bud turns black or brown, it indicates that the grafting was unsuccessful. If the survival rate is too low, additional grafting can be done promptly.
2. Apply sufficient fertilizer and water to accelerate scion growth: After grafting, apply 5-25 kg of farmyard manure and 0.50-2.50 kg of diammonium phosphate depending on the size of the tree. Use a circular or star-shaped fertilization method, dig a trench 20-40 cm deep, and remove some of the aging lateral roots if necessary. After fertilizing, water thoroughly to keep the root zone moist. Fertilization can also be done in advance, i.e., for spring grafting, fertilize in the previous autumn, and for summer grafting, fertilize in early spring.
3. Strengthen the care of young branches to prevent them from breaking due to strong wind: When the grafted branches start to grow, slightly loosen the wrapping material but do not completely remove it. When the young branches reach 10 cm in length, use a stick or crop straw, half secured to the trunk or main branch, half wrapped around the young branch, and tie it with a thin rope to protect the young branch. Once the young branch is securely fixed, cut the grafting wrapping material with a knife to facilitate growth.
The above[] introduces all the details about when to graft apple trees for a high survival rate, for everyone to learn and understand!