El english graft It is a method of artificial vegetative propagation of plants in which part of the plant tissue joins another already established so that both grow as a single organism. Grafting is used in the propagation of ornamental and fruit vegetables for various reasons, both in commercial nurseries and by small gardeners who want to have their own fruit trees. There are numerous types of grafts, including the English graft.
In this article we are going to tell you how the English graft is done, what its characteristics and usefulness are.
What is the English graft
For example, in a commercial case, it is often used to obtain disease-resistant specimens. Looking for a rootstock that is resistant to areas where pathogenic bacteria are present in the soil, and since the grafted parts do not come into contact with them, it is possible to grow varieties that would otherwise be more complicated and expensive. The English graft is recommended for reasons of nutrition, reproduction, accelerated vegetative cycles or in search of dwarfism of specimens.
We can do various types of British grafts, as split grafts or bud grafts. But in this article, we will talk about the English or reed graft. It's easy to do and the results are almost guaranteed.
How the English graft is done
To make a simple comparison is to connect the pick and the pattern as if they were two tubes, so they have to be of a similar thickness, otherwise there is no point in trying. East it is a very easy graft to perform, perhaps not as easy as a split graft, and often produces good results if done well. In the English graft, the three forms that we will see below can be distinguished, although they have little relation to each other, since when different cuts are made, some are safer than others.
There are several types of English graft according to their ease of preparation and effectiveness:
Simple
It is a job that requires less use of the knife, but it is more complicated to protect because there is a lot of movement between the two parties involved. On the plus side, if it works, the scars between the beak and the pattern are almost indistinguishable. After a while, you have to pay close attention to the point of the trunk where the graft is detected.
Executed without complications. The pickup and pattern are cut with bevels of equal length and both cuts match. If they don't match exactly, try to make sure the spiked bark and standard bark are flush on at least one side.
Normal
This is the most commonly used type of English graft because it provides a very strong connection that allows for a strong bond with no moving parts. To do this, you first make a bevel cut, just like the previous type. The difference is two other new cuts, one in selection and one in pattern. The wood is split as if for a split graft, but the difference is that the cut is curved.
Finally, tie with grafting tape or raffia to make it very tight. This is the most difficult step because, as we have already explained, the pick moves easily in relation to the pattern. In a peak, the curves are on one side and in the pattern on the other side so that they match when you look at them. These areas are then stacked and installed on one side and the other side to form the fins. Once embedded, this graft requires little tying, although it is still recommended.
By horse
Finally, let's take a look at the English graft on horseback, the difficulty is between simple and ordinary. It's safer than simple, but safer than regular because the fit does not bind the wood together. You have to make an "A" in the pattern and another "V" in the selection.
The lace is made with a knife to make two bevels. In mode it is simpler because it is similar to a grinding stick. On the tines, on the other hand, the cut has to be inwards, so you have to have more friction and go little by little. When the fit of the nails matches the pattern, the graft can be assembled and tied.
When is the English graft done?
All these English-style grafting should be done in early spring, when the rootstock sap begins to move. As for the ears, it is better to cut them in winter and keep them in a cool and humid environment, in the refrigerator or buried, until the time of grafting. This leaves the teeth completely stationary, which helps them root better.
However, you can also cut the spikes during grafting, because in many cases, if everything is done right, they will stick anyway. In this case, it is best to move the transplant forward a little so that the sap becomes less active.
One of the most commonly given tips for doing English grafting well is to use similar sized stems and make clean, precise cuts. You can use sound wood and rootstocks and graft at the correct date to maximize contact between cambiums.
Tools
Having the right tools will make portability easier and increase the probability of success. Knives or grafting knives are traditionally used tools. Grafting can be slower than using more advanced tools. Using a grafting knife, experienced users can achieve precise grafting with a high success rate. Tools should be as sharp as possible. Therefore, we will be able to achieve clean cuts with good results with different types of grafts.
Currently there are tools that make grafting easier and faster. If care is taken to use stems or pins of the same thickness, the graft contact surface will be optimal and good results will be obtained.
It is very important to isolate the graft from weather conditions and hold it tightly. Duct tape can be used for this task. Special grafting tape can also be purchased.
I hope that with this information you can learn more about the English graft and its characteristics.