The Technology of Grafting Avocado to a Lemon Tree
Grafting is an age-old process used to combine two different plants to create a single plant with the traits of both parent plants. Recently, scientists have started to explore the possibility of grafting an avocado tree onto a lemon tree to benefit from the respective traits of both fruits. But can you actually graft avocado onto a lemon tree?
What is Grafting?
Grafting is a type of horticultural technique that is widely used to propagate desired trees or shrubs. It involves the merging of two plants so that the outcome is a single plant that carries traits of both the parent plants. This method is commonly used for the production of disease-resistant plants, as the rootstock provides resistance to pathogens and other diseases, while the scion carries desired traits such as fruit colour and size. Moreover, grafting is also used to obtain plants with greater vigour, more disease resistance, and other desirable traits that could not be achieved in propagation by cuttings.
Can you Graft Avocado onto a Lemon Tree?
It is possible to graft an avocado tree onto a lemon tree but there are many factors to consider first. Grafting avocado onto a lemon tree can be tricky and it has to be done with a great deal of care and precision. The site of the cut is crucial as it can determine the success or failure of the grafting process. For example, if the grafting process is done incorrectly, the two plants will not “take” and they will die.
In order to increase the chances of successful grafting, the cut must be made cleanly and accurately. The rootstock (in this case the lemon tree) must also be healthy enough to support the scion (in this case the avocado tree). It is also important to find out the compatibility between the two species before initiating the process. An incompatibility between the rootstock and scion species could lead to a failed graft.
Experts recommend grafting avocado onto a semi-dwarf or dwarf lemon tree to increase the chances of successful growth. Furthermore, in order to increase the success rate of the grafting, you must make sure the stock and scion are of the same diameter and that you are working in grafting season. This usually occurs in late spring or early summer.
Benefits of Grafting Avocado onto a Lemon Tree
The primary benefit of grafting an avocado tree onto a lemon tree is the increased yield of avocadoes that growers can expect. By grafting an avocado onto a lemon tree, you can increase the growth rate of the avocado and produce more of the fruit without having to cultivate the trees separately. Furthermore, grafting avocado and lemon together can result in robust trees that are capable of withstanding weather conditions that could negatively impact the growth of individual plants.
Additionally, grafting an avocado and a lemon together can also potentially reduce water consumption. As the avocado tree takes advantage of the lemon tree’s root system, it will draw water from the same source, thereby reducing the need for additional water. This can be especially beneficial in regions that suffer from water scarcity.
Risks and Challenges of Grafting Avocado onto a Lemon Tree
Despite the potential benefits of grafting these two species together, there are some risks and challenges associated with the process. Apart from having to ensure the compatibility between the two species, the grafting process must be done precisely, with clean cuts and clean materials to ensure successful grafting and growth.
Furthermore, it is important to have the correct technique in place to ensure that the stock and scion are adequately matched. Failure to do so can result in a failed graft, which can lead to the death of the tree or fruit.
The Cost of Grafting Avocado onto a Lemon Tree
The cost of grafting avocado onto a lemon tree depends on the complexity of the grafting process. Generally, if done by a professional, it can cost several hundred dollars. However, it is also possible to do it yourself, if done carefully and correctly, which can reduce the costs significantly.
Preparing the Tree and Soil Conditions
Before initiating the grafting process, the rootstock and scion must be cut properly and cleaned before applying the grafting compound. The tree must be fertilized before grafting, as the process can be demanding for the rootstock and could potentially lead to the death of the tree. Furthermore, the tree must be planted in the appropriate soil conditions.
The soil must be rich in nutrients and have a healthy pH level to ensure optimal growth of the tree. The pH level must be tested to see if it is suitable for both species – mainly the same pH level must be maintained for optimal growth of both the lemon tree and the avocado tree.
Using the Grafting Technique
Once the tree and soil conditions have been prepared and the rootstock and scion have been cut and cleaned properly, the grafting process begins. The two cut pieces must fit perfectly together and the grafting compound used must be applied precisely to ensure a successful graft.
In addition to grafting the two pieces together, the scion must be supported by tying the two pieces together securely with a rubber band or grafting tape. Once the grafting technique is successfully completed, the rubber band must be kept on until the scion is firmly established into the rootstock.
Caring for the Tree After Grafting
The grafting process is only the beginning of the process in combining the two species. After the grafting procedure, the tree needs to be taken care of properly to ensure that the tree grows and prospers.
It is important to water the grafted tree often and provide it with the necessary sunlight and nutrients to ensure healthy growth. The use of a fertilizer specifically designed for hybrid trees is ideal, as it will provide both the lemon and avocado tree with the needed nutrients for its growth.
Conclusion and Future Prospects
Grafting various fruit trees together provides growers with hybrid trees that can produce fruits with desirable traits. The grafting process is complex and delicate and requires precision to ensure a successful graft. Although it can theoretically be possible to graft an avocado tree onto a lemon tree, there are certain factors to consider before initiating the process, such as compatibility between the species, the diameter of the stock and scion, and preparing the soil for planting.
Further studies and research exploring different aspects of grafting, such as grafting other fruit trees together, can potentially develop more efficient and successful hybrid trees that can produce more and better-quality fruits. Although grafting an avocado tree onto a lemon tree is difficult, the potential benefits and rewards could be worth the effort.
