Fruit Tree Grafting

Kevin HeatonUtah State University ExtensionKane and Garfield Counties

Grafting is …

any process of inserting a part of one plant into or on another in a way that they will unite and continue growth as a single unit

Grafting

Root

wood

Fruit Cultivar

Fruit Tree Scion wood

Fruiting cultivar gala, cameo, etc

RootstockSize of treeDisease resistance

Apple has the most

Why would you want to graft a fruit tree?

We graft fruit trees because we want to … Old tree you want to

save Several varieties on

one tree (3in1, 4in1,)

Produce semi-dwarf and dwarf fruit trees

Repair Topwork Not true from seed Produce new trees Accomplishment

Time of Year Grafting is done during the dormant season

Scionwood AND rootstock should be dormant Scionwood is last years growth

Budding is done during the growing season (August) The cambium of the rootstock needs to be

actively growing (slip)Mature bud from this years growth

Budding

Apple Varieties

Rootstock Size

Apple Rootstock

Collecting Scion Wood Collect scion wood

when dormant February – early March

Last year’s growth Water sprouts work

wonderful for this (¼” to 3/8”)

Discard the top 3-6 inches of the tip and the bottom 3-6 inches

Clean the scion wood with mild solution of bleach (1-2%)

Rinse and dry Place in peat moss or

wet paper towel Place in fridge at 34-40

F (crisper works well) Keep this way until you

are ready to graft

Rootstock Raintree Nursery

Steps to Grafting Select a piece of rootstock and

fruiting wood that match diameter wise

Keep the rootstock in water until you are ready for it

Make good sharp cuts on rootstock and scion wood

Make sure there is good contact between the cambium layers on both the rootstock and scion wood.

Steps to GraftingSecure the union tightly with a grafting band or a piece

of tape.Leave 2 to 3 "back-up" buds on the scion and remove

the rest of the wood.Place in plastic bag with moist soil pep/peat

moss/sawdust.Dip in pruning seal and let dry.Keep indoors and hold the temperature around 60o to

70°F to encourage callusing. (VERY IMPORTANT)Maintain these temperatures for 10 to 14 days.

Steps to GraftingThen plant them into growing beds about 2’ to 3’ apart

or in a container with drainage.Tape should be cut several weeks after scions are

growing. Be careful not to dislodge the graft union. Usually 4 to 6 weeks after setting outside.

Take off all “Rootstock” buds with your fingers as they sprout. (Rootstock buds will compete with those on the scion wood and they use up energy).

Don’t try to over winter in pots unless you can mulch around them.

Reasons for Graft Failure Stock and scion were not compatible Cambiums were not meeting properly Scion wood was upside down Done at the wrong time of the year Scion wood was not dormant Scion wood was displaced Graft union was girdled because tape not

removed

Resourceshttp://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/propagation/http://www.raintreenursery.com/ http://www.treco.nu/ http://www.lawyernursery.com/ http://www.maplevalleyorchards.com/ http://www.towerhillbg.org/thwebscion.html

Acknowledgements:Presentation developed by Mike Pace

USU Extension Faculty Box Elder Countymike.pace@usu.edu

http://extension.usu.edu/boxelder/