What is Grafting
Grafting is a horticultural technique of combining parts from two different plants to produce a single plant with desirable characteristics. This process is typically used to combine the root system and shoot system of two different plants and is a form of asexual reproduction or vegetative propagation. Grafting is commonly practiced in orchards and gardens to rename different varieties of fruit trees on a single tree. This process may be used to introduce desired traits from one variety of a tree onto an existing mature tree of another variety. For example, a cherry tree may be grafted with the scion (stem, rootstock, or bud) of a different variety of cherry tree in order to produce a single tree with increased hardiness, disease resistance, or more desirable fruit production.
Grafting Cherry Trees
Grafting cherry trees is an essential process for many who are interested in planting and harvesting cherry trees. By connecting two or more different varieties of cherry trees, these hybrids can have desirable traits, such as disease resistance and improved fruit production. This process is completed by connecting a piece of the stem, or scion, of one cherry tree variety with a piece of the stem of a different variety, typically the rootstock. When the two parts, or scions and the rootstock, are connected, they must form a callus, or a ring of cells, within weeks to months before the graft is successful.
When grafting cherry trees, it is important to select rootstock wisely. Rootstock should be strong and healthy, free of disease and retained in an area with sufficient water and sunlight for the best chance of successful grafting. Additionally, the scion and rootstock must be the same species, such as sweet cherry and sour cherry, for optimum results.
The next step in grafting cherry trees is to prepare the two plants. It is important to select two scions of the same diameter and length as the rootstock. Once chosen, the scion must be cut as a wedge with a sharp knife. The rootstock should be cut as a straight cut, with a protuberance on the lower end that will fit inside the scion’s wedge.
The two pieces must then immediately be connected and the connection must be fastened with staples or twine. The place of connection should be wrapped with a film or tape in order to keep the graft humid in order to encourage the formation of a callus. As the graft forms, the film or tape should eventually be removed.
The development of the graft can then occur and can take weeks to months. The connecting point must grow strong and healthy with green foliage in order for the graft to be successful and bear fruit. The grafted areas may be seen on the tree as it matures and will have a ring of callus cells or bump of tissue forming at the base of the grafted area.
Why Graft Cherry Trees?
Grafting cherry trees provides cultivators with the ability to produce desirable traits in a single tree. For example, grafting two varieties of cherry trees together can result in a tree with increased hardiness and a longer harvest season. Additionally, grafting cherry trees can produce an entire tree with a more desirable fruit production. As the different varieties ripen at different times, a tree with different scion varieties can produce an extended season of different cherries.
Furthermore, grafting cherry trees also serves as a way to introduce disease resistance on a tree. By connecting a scion with disease resistant properties to an existing tree, the entire tree may have immunity to certain diseases. This elongates the life and health of the tree and can reduce the maintenance required to keep it alive.
Care After Grafting
After grafting cherry trees, there is a certain level of care that must be taken in order to ensure the most successful growth and development of the graft. Weather resistant wrapping may be used to protect the graft during the winter season and fertilizer should be applied in the springtime. Mulching the grafting site to retain moisture can also be a beneficial method for the growth of the graft.
After a year has passed, the weaker parts of the graft should be pruned off to form a healthier and more aesthetic tree. Additionally, it is essential to watch for signs of disease such as leaf spots, wilting, and cankers in order to ensure the health of the tree.
Diseases When Grafting Cherry Trees
When grafting cherry trees, one of the main problems that may arise is the potential for disease transmission. As the scions are transferred onto a single tree, the transmission of bacteria and fungi to the other variety of plants on the tree can occur. When this happens, the entire tree has the potential to become diseased.
In order to prevent this pathway of disease, before grafting cherry trees, it is important to disinfect the knife used in the process. Additionally, the two scions should be from trees of the same species and from trees that possess no signs of disease.
Techniques Used for Grafting Cherry Trees
There are numerous techniques that are commonly used for grafting cherry trees. One of the most widely used techniques is the whip graft technique. This technique involves cutting the scion and rootstock into a wedge shape and connecting the two pieces while they are still plants. When they are fully connected, the graft forms a callus to hold them together.
Another technique that is commonly used is the cleft graft technique. This technique involves making a vertical cleft in the stem of the rootstock and then guiding the scion into the cleft and securing it with staples. This is a slower process, but can increase the success rate of the graft.
Conclusion of Grafting Cherry Trees
Grafting cherry trees can be an effective technique for cultivating desirable characteristics in a single tree. By connecting two varieties of cherry trees, cultivators can increase the health and production of the tree. However, it is essential to select healthy scions, use the correct technique for the graft, and take proper care of the tree to ensure the most successful and long lasting results.
