THE ORCHARD

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21580, 26 August 1933, Page 8 (Supplement)

THE ORCHARD

, MODES OF CRAFTING The modes of grafting are exceedingly numerous, but they all depend on one principle which should be well understood. The different methods employed in cutting and fitting the scions and stocks together are of minor importance in coinparasion with the time the operation is performed—that is always, when the sap of the stock is in motion—the healthy vigour of both stock and scion, and the exact juxtaposition of the layers of inner bark. Nearly the whole success of grafting depends on the layer of inner bark of the scion being in contact with that of the stock. Fig. 1. shows an ordinary splice graft prepared, for joining, the darker ring being the inner bark, the two parts, of which must coincide, not necessarily everywhere, but at least on one side. More often than not, the stock and scion are of different sizes, and where there is not much disparity in size the whip graft is the one most used. In proceeding to operate, cut the stock as in figure 2, in a sloping direction terminating if possible above a bud. Then take the scion, cut it sloping from above, and thin towards the end.

Pig. 1 rig. 2 The slit is then cut in the scion forming a tongue, which fits into a similar slit, made in the stock, forming a sort ?f dovetail joint. If the stock is larger in diameter than the scion, see that the inner bark coincides on one side, at least. The parts being placed together correctly, tie firmly in place, but not too tightly, by winding round the joint with raffia or soft string. This should then be covered to exclude air. The old system was the use of clay or grafting wax. The modern and more expeditious way is by winding round strips of adhesive tape. The insulating tape used for ejectrical work answers the purpose admirably, although proper grafting tape can be procureaat little cost.

When the stock is of much larger diameter than the scion, it is not possible to use whip wrafting, and a good method is what is known as crown or rind grafting. Several grafts are inserted round the top of the stock as shown in figure three. The scion is prepared the same as for a whip graft, except that a small shoulder is cut at A, which fits bn the top of stock as at B. A slit is then made in the bark of the stock about 2in. long and the bark gently raised as at C. Unless the scion is large, it will not Jbe necessary to raise the bark on both, sides of the slit; one side is usually sufficient. The scion is then pushed down between the bark and wood of the stock, and secured as in the other methods. The advantage of putting several scions on is that they assist greatly to heal over the wound quickty.

Notch grafting requires a greater degree of accuracy in cutting the parts exactly to fit as will be seen by figure 4. A triangular notch is cut in the stock at A, the scion is then trimmed in a like manner to exactly fit the notch made in the stock. The completed operation is shown in the illustration at B. AH that remains to be done is the tying and covering with adhesive tape.

Grafting may be employed with great advantage in bringing' quickly into flower many kinds of trees and shrubs, which, when on their own roots, do not commence bearing until they nave attained a considerable age ana size. ■' i ■