When is the Best Time for Grape Grafting for the Highest Survival Rate
This article provides a detailed explanation of when is the best time for grape grafting to achieve the highest survival rate. Let's introduce the relevant knowledge to our netizens.
Grapes are one of the most valuable fruit trees in the world and are widely popular everywhere. Grape growers must optimize growth conditions and choose appropriate cultivation techniques because this plant requires a higher level of care than average.
An important aspect is to cultivate and protect the plant through grafting. Next, we will explore grape grafting and its best period.
What is Grape Grafting?
Grafting is the process of combining a part of one tree (called the "rootstock") with a part of another tree (called the "scion"). Grafting can transfer superior breed characteristics to other trees, such as disease resistance, fruit size, flavor quality, and so on.
Grape grafting can cultivate more favorable characteristics in different cultivation environments and can also be used to protect plants from diseases or other growth issues.
The Best Time for Grape Grafting
The best time for grape grafting is in the early spring. At this time, the plant is in an active period, grows rapidly, and the incision healing time is also shorter. If you need to transfer certain characteristics to other grapevines, this is the best time to knock on the door.
However, if you miss spring, you can still graft in the summer, but the success rate will decrease because the plant grows slower and healing time will also take longer.
How to Perform Grape Grafting
To perform grape grafting, you need to prepare appropriate tools and materials. You will need a sharp surgical knife, a handkerchief or paper towel, some twine, gypsum, a pot, soil, and water. Next, follow these steps:
1. Choose the rootstock and scion
The rootstock should be selected from a grape tree that has grown to a sufficient size, is strong-growing, and has good disease resistance. The scion should be chosen from a healthy grape tree with the characteristics you need.
2. Cut the rootstock
Make a 45-degree oblique cut on the dry part of the rootstock, then make a horizontal cut at the bottom of this opening to form a "T" shape. This is done to provide a good hole for the scion to insert and combine.
3. Cut the scion
Make an oblique cut on the scion, then make a 1-2 inch vertical cut perpendicular to the rod, forming a shape like a pointed top sign. Then remove the tip of the top to ensure that the shape of your scion and rootstock is mostly consistent.
4. Join the rootstock and scion
Insert the scion into the hole of the rootstock, ensuring that the direction of the opening and the rod is consistent. The cut parts between the scion and rootstock need to be tightly combined, then wrap the two parts together with twine or rubber bands.
5. Use gypsum for protection
Apply some gypsum around the incisions of the rootstock and scion, which can protect the area and help with healing. The gypsum can be gradually removed after two weeks, at which time you can unwrap the original binding twine.
6. Transplant the grafted grape
Now, you can transplant your grafted grape into a pot or a prepared cultivation environment. Water the transplanted grapevine and maintain a stable humidity to help the new plant take root.
Precautions
1. Choose healthy, middle-aged plants.
2. Use a sharp surgical knife and disinfect it before use.
3. The cut must be clear, ensuring that the cut surface is flat and smooth to allow the rootstock and scion to fit closely.
4. The wrapping material must be wrapped tightly but not too tight, otherwise, it will affect the plant's growth.
5. The newly transplanted grapes need extra care, pay attention to maintaining a moist environment, and provide cultivation materials if necessary.
Summary
Grape grafting can bring abundant fruit, stronger virus resistance, and other beneficial abilities to your grapevines. If you want to perform grape grafting, the best time is early spring when the plant is in the growth period.
Pay attention to ensuring hygiene during the grafting process and double the care for the transplanted plants after grafting to ensure the success of the grafting and ultimately get a good harvest.
The comprehensive knowledge explanation on when is the best time for grape grafting for the highest survival rate provided above is hoped to be of help to you.