THE ORCHARD

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 74, Issue 192, 15 August 1931, Page 19 (Supplement)

THE ORCHARD

GRAFTING FRUIT TREES. Grafting i> a subject in which most fruit growers ar© more or less interested, as it is a means whereby fruit trees that have been tested and ha»e failed to meet the requirements of the grower, can be renewed more conveniently. In dealing with pruning a short time ago, growers having grafting to do were advised to secure anv scions required while the trees were in a dormant condition. Although the season for grafting extends from the present until well into next month if healthy well-ripened scions were secured at the time of pruning, and heeled in the soil in a cool, shady position, they eaii be kept comparatively dormant until ready for use, and will take mor© readily than if left on the tree until the sap becomes active. Up to the present it has been useless to attempt to graft, even if the stock were ready, on account of the incessant rains. Preparations, however, can be made for grafting by heading back the tree, preparing grafting wax, raflia grass for tying, etc. These materials can be obtained from any of the seedsmen. Although ‘here are various modes r »f that are successfully prac-

ticed by skilful operators, there are some much more simple than others which may be successfully performed by those not thoroughly experienced w ; th the work. It is with the view of assisting the latter, that only the most simple, though effective method will be dealt with. Essentials to Success. In grafting, the success attained, depends in a very great measure, upon the condition of the stock and scion. The stock should always be in advance of the scion, hence the necessity of securing the grafts while the sap is dormant, and keeping them in that condition until required for use. Success in graft ing. too, depends a good deal upon the varieties treated. For instance, with other nectarines, apricots, plums and other stone fruits, the same success is rarely attained by grafting, even by most skilled operators, as with apples, pears and other pip fruits. With stone fruits, if the trees fail to give reasonable returns to growers, little lime is lost by heading back the trees and inserting some grafts, for should the grafts tai’ to take, plenty of new growth will be made that will be ready for budding during the summer. Although budding is the most successful me.ho< of renewing most varieties of stone fruits, the young growth needed for budding can only be obtained by heading the trees well back, so that it is always worth a trial to insert some grafts. " Selecting The Scions. In selecting the scions for peach and kindred varieties, choose well-ripened, hardened wood, or better still, a short well-ripened shoot with a piece of the older wood attached, the old portion being cut for insertion in the stock. With such varieties as apples, pears, cherries and a few' other trees, there is little risk of failure if reasonable care is taken, and the work done at the right season. One of the most importer.* things to study in grafting is to cut the scion and stock so as to make

• as perfect a lit as possible, and to make . th.- rind or bark to closely touch each I other. In grafting any kind of fruit trees where the scion and stock are near of a uniform size, whip, er what is soine- . times termed tongue grafting, ia the I simplest and best. This is performed j by making a smooth upward cut in the I scion, about an inch to an inch and ai quarter in length, and a corresponding ; cut in the stock. A slit is then made in I the stock, and a similar one in the scion, which when inserted in the stock form a tongue and assists to hold the graft in position. The chief object is | to make as clean a cut and perfect a fit !as possible. As soon as the grafts are | put on, they should be securely tied, i and the wound sealed over with graft- | ing wax. Methods For i»arge Tress. | For large trees that have been headed : back, rind grafting is the simplest and bes*- method of working. In preparing the scions, make a smooth, sloping cut about an inch and a-quarter in length. Then make a slit in the bark at the top of the stock of a corresponding length to the scion and slightly raise the bark so that the scion can be inserted. Then tie firmly and seal the wound over with grafting wax so as to exclude air and moisture. The fruits to need attention in graft- ■ ing axe peaches, nectarines, apricots, ! plums and cherries, as they are in [ variablyXhe first to start into growth, i Apples and pears are not so forward I and can be worked successfully until • the end of next month, although the scions of these too, should be secured and be kept as dormant as possible. Experience has proved that in grafting, the greatest success is attained when • stock is in advance of the scion when the grafts are inserted. Success in a great measure depends upon quick- ; ness and neatness of the union.