
What is Fruit Grafted Plant, it's Benefits, & type of fruit plants you can grow at Home.
Grafting is a horticultural technique that joins two different plants together so that they grow as one. In the case of fruit trees, grafting is used to combine the desirable traits of two different trees. For example, you might graft a tree with a delicious fruit onto a rootstock that is resistant to pests or diseases.
There are many different types of grafting techniques, but the most common is called whip and tongue grafting. This technique is used to join two trees that are similar in size. To perform whip and tongue grafting, you will need a sharp knife, two pieces of grafting tape, and a rooting hormone.
First, cut a 4-inch section of branch from each tree. The cuts should be made at a 45-degree angle. Next, make a tongue-shaped cut in the centre of each branch. The tongues should be about 1 inch long and 1/2 inch wide.
Align the tongues of the two branches so that they fit together snugly. Then, wrap the graft with grafting tape to secure it in place. Apply rooting hormone to the cut surfaces of the branches.
The graft should be kept moist and protected from the sun. It will take several weeks for the graft to take hold. Once the graft has taken hold, the two trees will grow as one.
Grafted fruit trees have several advantages over non-grafted trees. First, they are more resistant to pests and diseases. This is because the rootstock of the tree provides a level of protection from the elements. Second, grafted fruit trees are more productive. This is because the scion (the top part of the tree) is able to produce fruit more quickly than a non-grafted tree. Third, grafted fruit trees are more uniform in size and shape. This makes them easier to harvest and market.
If you are considering planting a fruit tree, grafting is a great option. Grafted trees are more resistant to pests and diseases, more productive, and more uniform in size and shape than non-grafted trees.
What are the advantages of grafted fruit plants at home?
There are many advantages to grafting fruit trees. Here are a few of the most important:- Increased resistance to pests and diseases: The rootstock of a grafted tree provides a level of protection from the elements, making it more resistant to pests and diseases. This is especially important in areas with challenging growing conditions.
- Earlier bearing: Grafted fruit trees often start bearing fruit earlier than non-grafted trees. This is because the scion (the top part of the tree) is already mature and can start producing fruit right away.
- Improved fruit quality: The scion of a grafted tree will often produce fruit that is of higher quality than the fruit of a non-grafted tree. This is because the scion is able to access the nutrients and water from the rootstock, which can improve the flavour and sweetness of the fruit.
- More uniform trees: Grafted fruit trees are more uniform in size and shape than non-grafted trees. This makes them easier to harvest and market.
- Better cold tolerance: Some rootstocks are more cold-tolerant than others. Grafting a scion onto a cold-tolerant rootstock can help a fruit tree survive in colder climates.
What types of plants are usually grafted at home?
Grafting is a common practice in many different types of plants, including:
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Fruit trees: Grafting is often used to combine the desirable traits of two different fruit trees. For example, you might graft a tree with delicious fruit onto a rootstock that is resistant to pests or diseases.
- Apple trees: Apple trees are one of the most popular fruit trees to graft. This is because there are many different varieties of apple trees, each with its own unique flavor and characteristics. Grafting allows you to combine the desirable traits of two different apple trees, such as a tree with delicious fruit and a tree that is resistant to pests and diseases.
- Pear trees: Pear trees are another popular fruit tree to graft. Pear trees are also susceptible to pests and diseases, so grafting can help to improve their resistance. Additionally, grafting can be used to create pear trees that are dwarf or semi-dwarf, which makes them easier to care for and harvest.
- Cherry trees: Cherry trees are a popular choice for grafting because they can be difficult to grow from seed. Grafting allows you to ensure that the tree will produce the desired fruit, such as sweet cherries or sour cherries.
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Ornamental trees: Grafting is also used to create ornamental trees with specific characteristics, such as dwarf size or colourful bark.
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Vines: Grafting is used to create vines that are more resistant to pests and diseases, or that produce better quality fruit.
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Flowers: Grafting is used to create flowers with specific colours or fragrances.
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Vegetables: Grafting is used to create vegetables that are more resistant to pests and diseases, or that mature earlier.