There are many reasons for grafting: the procedure helps to prolong the life of an apple tree and makes it possible to grow a crop of several different varieties on one tree. It is not difficult to carry out the work if you know the nuances of the conditions, timing and necessary tools.
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Method advantages
Grafting apple trees in the spring is a selection method that, above all, will save space in the garden. If the gardener does not plan to grow many of the same fruit trees, he can graft other varieties to the desired apple. Ripening at different times, they will give a constant harvest.
The procedure also helps to shape the crown and make the tree shorter and easier to harvest. The grafted tree is rejuvenated, acquires new selective characteristics.
By grafting a stalk of an injured apple tree to another, you can save the plant while preserving its varietal characteristics.
Vaccination periods
All seasons are suitable for grafting apple trees, but the methods used are different.
During the cold season, seedlings need time to acclimatize, so they are first brought into the warmth. This causes additional inconvenience, and most often the work is postponed to the spring.
During this period, the circulation of juices begins after winter dormancy, and apple trees - both the donor and the rootstock - more easily tolerate the traumatic procedures of removing the cutting and further grafting.
Russia has several climatic zones, therefore, the terms of work differ for each of them. The main indicator is the onset of sap flow and swelling of the kidneys.
For work, they choose morning or evening hours in dry, calm and warm weather.
Inventory and materials
Work is performed with minimal tools. You will need a set consisting of a hacksaw, garden varnish, a sharp knife and polyethylene. The inventory is cleaned and degreased before starting work.
You can also use a special device - a grafting pruner. It injures plants the least due to the shape of its blade, which makes a shaped cut and provides a better connection between the scion and rootstock.
The pruner makes an incision with a groove in which the cutting is placed, processes it exactly according to the shape of the groove and performs budding.
How to choose a scion and stock
If you choose the right apple trees, the success of the selection is guaranteed.
The stock should be healthy, cold tolerant, free of dry branches and cracked bark. Both adults and young trees are suitable for him. Each region has its own rootstock varieties, which are particularly resistant and productive.
The donor tree is most often chosen from among similar varieties with a rootstock, but this condition is optional. The apple tree should bear fruit for more than two years, so the taste of the fruit, yield and endurance will be understood.
Preparing cuttings
Healthy branches over 1 year old with smooth intact bark are suitable for grafting.
They are harvested in winter to harden them. Store in a cool, dark place, incl. in the refrigerator, until landing in the ground.
Cuttings should have 3-4 healthy unawakened buds. It is better to take the middle part of the branch, making a cut obliquely at the level of the upper eye.
Types of grafting
Inoculation is carried out by one of the methods: by the bark, into the cleft, copulation with the tongue, budding, implantation into the butt or into the lateral incision.
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