II.

Grafting Methods

Grafts are usually unsuccessful unless plants of the same or closely related kind are used. A seedling or cutting, usually chosen for hardiness and resistance to pests and diseases, or for special characteristics such as dwarfing, is commonly used as the stock in grafting. When a seedling is used as a stock, it is first allowed to establish its root system; a graft is then inserted at the base of the stem. As soon as the union of scion and stock has become established, any remaining portions of the shoot of the stock are cut away; all substances absorbed by the root system are thereafter available to the scion for its development. When a cutting is used, the graft is made first, and then the cutting is rooted. Nursery stock for rubber plantations and for many fruit orchards is produced by the seedling type of grafting.

The area surrounding the juncture of scion and stock is protected by paraffin or by grafting wax, which consists of a mixture of beeswax, beef tallow, and resin. Grafting tape is usually used to cover the waxed wound, so as to exclude moisture and prevent attack by diseases or pests.