BuddingBudding

T-bud graft most common budding method for fruits, ornamental plants

Single bud inserted into T-shaped opening in bark

of actively growing rootstock

T-budding fast by experienced propagators--2,000 to 3,000 roses in day

Because T-budding uses single bud, makes best use of propagation materials

Materials:grafting knifebudsticksgrafting strips

BudsticksBudsticks

Source of buds that will be scions (shoot of new tree)

Branches that developed in last growing

season

BudsticksBudsticks

should be healthy

diameter of pencil  

collected when fully dormant--no later than February in the Midwest.

RootstockRootstock

Root system of grafted tree

Rootstocks selected for traits such as dwarfing

Ideal rootstock –stem diameter 1/2 to

3/4 inch

Method- indoorsMethod- indoors

Rootstocks planted in pots

Watered, grown in greenhouse 4 to 6 weeks

At time of budding, rootstocks must be actively growing so bark “slips”

Slipping - rapidly dividing, thin walled cambium under bark easily separated from wood

To prepare rootstock for budding, remove side shoots in lower stem area

Holding grafting knife and budstick correctly takes practice

Goal: make smooth, clean cut

Cut should begin below bud to be removed

Bud should be in center of resulting "shield."

Sharp knifeSmooth strokeBudstick held close

to body Budstick between

you and knife

Shield about 3/4 inch long

1 to 2 mm thick

Bud in middle of shield

Bottom view of shield bud

Cambium layer greenish line between dark brown bark and the white wood

RootstockRootstock On lower stem of rootstock choose smooth region free of axillary buds

Push knife into stem until resistance

Rock knife back and forth to cut line about 1/3 the way around stem

This is top or bottom of "T" cut

Cut straight downward from middle of cut about 1 inch to form "T“

Use grafting knife to open flaps created by cutting T in stem

Slip lower, rounded end of shield bud into top of T.

Push in shield bud until top of shield is flush with top of T.  

Push shield firmly against rootstock, close flaps, wrap with grafting strip

Start above bud and wrap grafting strip tightly around stem to cover all parts of shield except bud

Tie off strip with knot

Wrapping keeps bud in close contact with stock and prevents drying of exposed tissue

Return grafted tree to greenhouse bench

In 2 to 3 weeks graft union will form between scion and rootstock

When graft union is complete, scion will begin to produce new leaves and use rootstock's root system to obtain water and nutrients

Once bud begins to grow, remove upper part of tree by cutting through the stem about 1/2 inch above scion

Graft union on tree will be evident for several years as "dogleg"

Tree should flower and bear fruit in 3 to 4 years

Chip buddingChip budding

Used when bark is not slipping – any time

Gradually replacing T-bud – ornamentals, fruits

Better take, more uniform growth

Takes little scion wood – dormant or active

Water status not as big an issue

Small diameter stems

Plants with thin bark – doesn’t slip easily

Prepare rootstock same as for T-budding

Usually take in 3-4 weeks

Remove tape and allow bud to swell

Winter – cut rootstock close to bud

Patch buddingPatch budding

Rectangular patch of bark taken off rootstock and replaced with patch of same shape

Done on trees with thick bark that don't t-bud well - walnuts, pecans

Special knives with double blades so accurate with cuts

TopworkingTopworking

Several shoots are budded on same tree

Done in midsummer when everything active

MicrobuddingMicrobudding

T-budding method - done on citrus

Everything cut away except bud and tiny bit of wood

T-budding done as usual.

Aftercare of budded plantsAftercare of budded plants

Hot-pipe callusing system for bench grafting - graft inserted in pipe where warm water circulates around graft. Rest of plant kept cool and dormant.

May bury graft in slightly most peat moss or bark and bottom heat added

Planted out in nursery as soon as weather permits, before any growth starts

Usually established enough after first year to be transplanted or sold.

PlantingPlanting

Bud union just below soil for most ornamentals

If rootstock is for dwarfing or disease resistance, put union just above soil because want absolutely no roots from scion

Timing for buddingTiming for budding

Late summer or fall preferred in Wisconsin when done outdoors: wood of good sizeweather goodno storage neededstock and scion not succulentScion – current seasonStock – current season