Methods and techniques for grafting plum seedlings

To improve the survival rate of grafted plum seedlings , we must pay attention to the grafting method and subsequent management. Here are some methods and techniques for grafting plum seedlings.

1. Grafting time

The survival rate of plum seedlings is highest when they are grafted before the rootstock sprouts in spring (late March in the Gregorian calendar). In addition, the use of xylem buds around September can also increase the survival rate of grafted fruit seedlings. Of course, the specific time should be based on the actual local climate.

2. Grafted rootstock

Plum seedlings are mainly grafted with peach roots, and mountain peach is generally used as the rootstock. The wild peach has strong affinity and is very suitable for grafting plums. It has strong adaptability, is drought-resistant, cold-resistant, and resistant to barrenness, and can be planted in plains, mountains , and slopes.

3. Stock treatment

Peach root and other tree stumps are cut into rootstocks 6 to 10 cm above the ground. Use well-developed, full, one-year-old, disease- and insect-free semi-woody branches as spikes, cut them into small sections of about 7 cm, leaving about 5 to 7 buds as scions, and wrap the collected buds with wet cloth.

4. Grafting method

Use a grafting knife to split the rootstock into a split opening about 3 cm long, and cut the scion into a wedge-shaped cutting surface, leaving 2 to 3 buds. The scion is then inserted into the cleft opening with the cambium layers aligned. Afterwards, wrap it tightly with a transparent plastic strip to successfully complete the grafting.

5. Post-management

After connection, remove the budding on the rootstock in time. In the next 15 days or so, check whether the cells are still alive, and replenish those that are not alive in time. When the high-grafted shoots grow to 20 to 30 cm, you can set up wooden poles, tie the poles tightly to the rootstock, and use ropes to fix the shoots to the poles to prevent wind damage. Loosen the tied plastic film to prevent hanging injuries. Adjust the angle and direction of the extension branches of the main branches in time. When the new shoots of the auxiliary branches grow to 40~50 cm, leave 20~30 cm and remove them.

That’s it