1. Fruit Tree Grafting Kevin Heaton Utah State University Extension
Kane and Garfield Counties

2. Grafting is …
any process of inserting a part of one plant into or on another in a way that they will unite and continue growth as a single unit

3. Grafting
Fruit Cultivar
wood
Root

4. Fruit Tree Scion wood Rootstock Size of tree Disease resistance
Fruiting cultivar
gala, cameo, etc
Rootstock
Size of tree
Disease resistance
Apple has the most

5. Why would you want to graft a fruit tree?

6. We graft fruit trees because we want to …
Old tree you want to save
Several varieties on one tree (3in1, 4in1,)
Produce semi-dwarf and dwarf fruit trees
Repair
Topwork
Not true from seed
Produce new trees
Accomplishment

7. Time of Year Grafting is done during the dormant season
Scionwood AND rootstock should be dormant
Scionwood is last years growth
Budding is done during the growing season (August)
The cambium of the rootstock needs to be actively growing (slip)
Mature bud
from this
years growth

8. Budding

9. Apple Varieties

10. Rootstock Size

11. Apple Rootstock

12. Collecting Scion Wood Collect scion wood when dormant
February – early March
Last year’s growth
Water sprouts work wonderful for this (¼” to 3/8”)
Discard the top 3-6 inches of the tip and the bottom 3-6 inches
Clean the scion wood with mild solution of bleach (1-2%)
Rinse and dry
Place in peat moss or wet paper towel
Place in fridge at F (crisper works well)
Keep this way until you are ready to graft

13. Rootstock
Raintree Nursery

14. Steps to Grafting
Select a piece of rootstock and fruiting wood that match diameter wise Keep the rootstock in water until you are ready for it Make good sharp cuts on rootstock and scion wood Make sure there is good contact between the cambium layers on both the rootstock and scion wood.

15. Steps to Grafting
Secure the union tightly with a grafting band or a piece of tape. Leave 2 to 3 "back-up" buds on the scion and remove the rest of the wood. Place in plastic bag with moist soil pep/peat moss/sawdust. Dip in pruning seal and let dry. Keep indoors and hold the temperature around 60o to 70°F to encourage callusing. (VERY IMPORTANT) Maintain these temperatures for 10 to 14 days.

16. Steps to Grafting
Then plant them into growing beds about 2’ to 3’ apart or in a container with drainage. Tape should be cut several weeks after scions are growing. Be careful not to dislodge the graft union. Usually 4 to 6 weeks after setting outside. Take off all “Rootstock” buds with your fingers as they sprout. (Rootstock buds will compete with those on the scion wood and they use up energy). Don’t try to over winter in pots unless you can mulch around them.

19. Reasons for Graft Failure
Stock and scion were not compatible
Cambiums were not meeting properly
Scion wood was upside down
Done at the wrong time of the year
Scion wood was not dormant
Scion wood was displaced
Graft union was girdled because tape not removed

21. Resources

22. Presentation developed by Mike Pace
Acknowledgements:
Presentation developed by Mike Pace
USU Extension Faculty Box Elder County