Introduction
According to Wiki, “Grafting is a horticultural technique whereby tissues of plants are joined so as to continue their growth together. The upper part of the combined plant is called the scion while the lower part is called the rootstock. The success of this joining requires the vascular tissue to grow together and such joining is called inosculation.” Grafting has been around for a long time and it is a very important procedure in horticulture. There are many reasons why grafting is beneficial to plants and has been a popular practice for centuries.
Grafting can be used for a variety of purposes and is especially beneficial for certain plants and trees. For example, grafting can be used to propagate plants, create new varietal forms, increase the vigor of plants, and even adapt a plant to a new environment. Grafting can also be used to repair a damaged or weakened tree, reshape a tree, or create a unique and attractive specimen.
Graft Types
Grafting can involve any number of different types of plants or trees, and there are a variety of different grafting techniques that can be used. One common type of grafting is called cleft grafting, where a wedge-shaped cut is made in the branch of the donor tree and a scion of the desired tree is inserted in the cut. This type of grafting can be used to introduce more fruiting varieties into existing trees, or to create hybrid varieties. Another type of grafting is known as whip and tongue grafting. This is where the branch of the donor tree is notched into a tongue shape and a scion is placed over the notch and held in place with a metal clip until it has grown together with the donor branch.
Advantages of Grafting
One of the main advantages of grafting is that it makes it more efficient to propagate desirable plants or trees. Grafting can also be used to mend a damaged tree so that it can continue to grow. Grafting can also be used to modify the characteristics of a tree, such as increasing its disease resistance or changing its taste or color. Grafting can also be used to create a unique tree that looks completely different than the original two species. Grafting can even be used to repair a weakened tree so that it can become sturdier and able to withstand extreme weather conditions.
Conclusion
Grafting is a horticultural technique that has been used for centuries to improve the vigor of plants, create new plant varieties, and repair a damaged or weakened tree. It involves the joining of plant tissues to create a stronger and more desirable tree. There are many different types of grafting techniques and this method of horticulture has many advantages, including saving time and resources when propagating plants and creating a unique tree. Grafting has definitely stood the test of time, and is sure to remain an important part of horticulture for many years to come.
