Rootstock on arrival is potted up to keep it moist and in good
condition.
Grafter's knife costs about 60 euro. Grafter’s knife has a short
blade. Top left has a "Spatula" for lifting the bark of the
rootstock. Also used in "Budding" another type of grafting
higher up the tree, performed in the summer. Widely used in
Rose production. The blade is high mileage and can take
sharpening over a long period. Metal is tempered for a sharp
edge and longevity. Stanley blade good for 15 cuts.
First graft of the day under the tutelage of Master Grafter
David Howell, also seen in the picture
"Jasus" Bridie you are brill.
The grafted union has to be sealed.
Tape tightly from rootstock upwards and into the scion
wood. Repeat downwards and finish on rootstock. This
method prevents water entering at the top. Pay attention to
tightens and top sealing.
Two reasons for taping.
1. The two pieces of graft are held tightly together and the
callus tissue unites successfully
2. Prevents moisture loss and entry of pest and diseases.
John now moves the tape at an angle and guides it upwards
and generously overlaps, so that falling rain will not lodge in
the crevices.
Heavy frosts could freeze water and split graft. Ideally what
you want is a cold root and tip and a warm graft. Callus
tissuing must be active and spreading for a good graft.
Rootstock in their birthday suit.
Note the two on the left, no roots at the bottom.
Roots start up the maiden tree and outwards.
To increase rootstock the "Stooling" method is used also
called "Mound Layering". Several stems grow outward from
one rootstock. When they root they are severed from the
main rootstock. Widely used by commercial orchardists and
nurserymen. The crown of the plant is capable of many
stems when earthed up.
Front tray fully grafted and labelled rootstock on M116
Foreground tray is M9 rootstock.
M means Malling. The English national collection is in Kent
and the research station is based nearby at East Malling. As
it happens the botanical name for apple is Malus. There is no
connection.
Ireland does not produce rootstock; most other countries
have their own rootstock. Russian rootstock can tolerate
minus 40 degrees. We mainly purchase our rootstock from
English Dutch and French nurseries.
Planted into Nursery bed where they will remain for a year.
Selecting Scion wood and Rootstock.
Try and have the diameter the same size.
Preparing Scion wood using the modified Cleft Graft
Slice both sides equally and bring to a point
Open rootstock one inch. Leave knife in place as it facilitates
entry of scion wood. When scion wood is in place remove
knife and push scion wood fully into the opening. Make sure it
fits flush with the rootstock. Cambium layers of both must
unite
Preparing opening in rootstock to receive Scion wood using
the modified Cleft Graft method
Leave knife in wood until all scions wood has fully connected
into the joint
A finished Cleft joint. The barks of both should be tight and
flush
Preparing Scion and rootstock using the Whip and Tongue
Graft. Slide both evenly so that they bed on top of each other
and the barks of both are in line
Preparing the whip to receive the tongue.