Complete Guide to Caring for Grafted Plants

El plant grafting It is an essential technique in horticulture and agriculture that allows the creation of new plant varieties by uniting two different species. This practice is primarily used when a plant is not strong enough to grow on its own. Grafting combines a weaker plant with a more resistant one, thus allowing the new variety to develop better and have a greater chance of success in its growth and production. For more information on this technique, you can consult What is English grafting and how is it done?.

When we do a graft, we are joining two parts of plants: the upper part which is called pick or variety, and the bottom part is called pattern, foot or rootstockThis process allows each part to grow as a single organism, while retaining its individual characteristics. However, the success of the graft depends not only on the technique used, but also on the care given to the grafted plant once the union is complete. In this article, we will explore in detail the essential care that must be followed after grafting.

1. Ensuring graft union

The first crucial step after performing a graft is to make sure that the graft union is adequate. We must verify that the roots and stems are properly aligned and united, as this will directly affect the plant's growth. The grafted part should be at ground level and covered with a little water. organic fertilizer to provide nutrients. It is important to remember that there are specific care of grafted plants that can help optimize this process.

2. Importance of irrigation

El irrigation It's also a fundamental aspect of caring for grafted plants. Not all species require the same amount of water, and over- or under-watering can compromise the plant's health. It's advisable to use species with similar care requirements to maximize grafting success. This way, you can avoid water stress in the grafted plant and facilitate its integration with the rootstock. For more details on how to water properly, you can read about the watering other plants.

3. Optimal environmental conditions

Environmental conditions are crucial for the recovery and growth of grafted plants. The grafted plant must be kept in an environment suitable for temperature, light, and humidity. The ideal temperature for the growth of most plants is between 18 ° C and 25 ° CIn climates that are too cold or too warm, the plant may suffer and not develop properly. Likewise, proper placement in the garden can be related to other growing practices, such as those you can learn about how to plant a walnut tree.

4. Pest and disease control

It is essential to perform regular monitoring to detect signs of plagues and diseasesGrafted plants may be more susceptible to certain problems if not properly cared for. Good integrated pest management, which includes sustainable growing practices and the use of natural products, can be very beneficial. For example, it is advisable to be aware of the Erwinia amylovora, which can affect certain grafts.

5. Pruning and maintenance

After making the graft, it is important to perform a proper pruning To encourage healthy growth, dead or damaged branches and buds that may compete with the graft should be removed to ensure that the sap flows primarily to the grafted portion. This will help optimize the development of the grafted plant and improve its overall performance. For more advice on this topic, you can consult When and how to prune old roses.

6. Examples of grafts in practice

Grafting is used in various agricultural and horticultural practices. For example, in fruit growing, different varieties of fruit trees are often grafted to improve fruit quality and disease resistance. This makes it possible, for example, to grow a single apple tree that produces several apple varieties, such as Golden, Fuji y Gala, thanks to the grafting technique. This approach not only increases production but also helps optimize the use of space and resources in the orchard.

7. Grafting methods

There are several grafting methods, each with its own techniques and purposes. Some of the most common are:

• Veneer graft: This is especially used for tree plants. A "T"-shaped cut is made in the rootstock and the pick is inserted so that both parts meet.
• Yolk graft: It is carried out in spring and consists of inserting a bud of the desired plant into the rootstock.
• Cleft graft: Used to join a pick into a thicker pattern by cutting the two parts at an angle.
• Grafting by approximation: It is used when both plants are of a similar size and are joined without cutting them completely.

8. Advances in grafting techniques

Grafting research has advanced considerably, and innovative techniques are now being used that allow for improved integration and survival of grafted plants. For example, new methods are being developed tomato graft that have proven effective in increasing resistance to pests and diseases. These innovations are particularly relevant in intensive agricultural production environments where sustainability and productivity are essential.

Grafting plants is a fundamental practice for improving the quality and production of various plant species. The care provided after grafting is essential to ensure the plant develops properly. Maintaining a good union between the parts, providing proper watering, control the technology and disease monitoring are crucial steps for successful grafting. With proper techniques and good management, grafting can transform the way we grow and use plants.