To begin with, I will explain two basic concepts that a gardener will encounter in any description of the grafting process:
- A graft is a section of a branch that is grafted. This is usually a part of a shoot containing at least two live buds, from which fruiting shoots then grow. It depends on the scion which grape variety will ultimately grow on the site, it is he who determines the taste of the berry, ripening time and quantitative volumes.
- The rootstock is a stem base on which future grapes are grafted. It depends on the rootstock what technical varietal qualities the plant will have - resistance to weather conditions, tolerance to temperature extremes and the presence of immunity to diseases. Also, the nutrition and quality of growth of the lash will depend on it.
Scion and rootstock may refer to different types of grapes. However, I will immediately note an important fact - not all varieties are compatible in grafting. Before the procedure, you should definitely find out if the branches you have chosen are merged.
Vaccinations themselves are carried out either in summer (green) or in winter (table). Summer ones are also divided according to the method of splicing cuttings:
- standard;
- indigenous;
- greens to greens;
- cutting to cutting;
- green shoot to the cutting.
Benefits of the procedure
Significant advantages of vaccination include the following points:
- the maximum possible resistance of grafted grapes to phylloxera;
- the development of a general strong immunity of the plant;
- the possibility of growing several types of grapes with the desired characteristics on one site at once;
- simplification of agrotechnical measures when changing varieties (you can simply graft the desired variety without wasting energy on digging up and disposing of old bushes);
- comparative increase in yield;
- restoration of a bush damaged by frost or rodents;
- the possibility of planting a rare and capricious species;
- strengthening the qualities of resistance to weather and geographical conditions;
- when grafting early varieties, accelerating the harvest;
- a unique opportunity to create "family" grape bushes - several different varieties can be grafted onto one stock;
- a competent combination of adjacent species can significantly and qualitatively improve the taste and abundance of fruits.
Features of vaccination
There are more than a dozen grafting techniques, and each experienced grower brings his own unique actions to this procedure. I will introduce you to some of the important features of the process that are typically found in every vine grafting method.
I must say right away that for the successful implementation of the procedure, the scion cuttings are harvested in the fall. In this case, the cut of the branch should be as even as possible, without unnecessary injuries. The required parameters of the shoot: diameter from 8 mm, at least 2 eyes, the optimal length is about 10 cm. Healthy strong bushes that bring a good harvest for at least three years are suitable as a donor.
Strong plants - five-year-olds are suitable for stock. The important qualities of the rootstock include cold resistance, high growth, strong immunity and a strong stem.
Regardless of which grafting technique you choose, be sure to carefully study the procedure for cutting and joining the cuttings. I also recommend that you practice on other bushes in advance so that you don’t make a mistake when working with grapes.
The strong rhizome of the grape bush is highly valued by gardeners, because its cultivation requires a considerable amount of effort and time. That is why experienced gardeners are not in a hurry to dig up old bushes, but are looking for other solutions to rejuvenate the vineyard.
Do you grow grapes in your area?
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