Abstract:
Collect scions by harvesting from recently flushed branches on mature plus trees. Trim the scions to approximately 7.5 cm long. Collect only in the morning hours to reduce on desiccation and keep the scions moist/ cool at all times by placing them in cool boxes or a basin of water. The scions should be cut to 5 – 10 cm long before grafting. Continue to keep the scions in water while preparing the root stocks for grafting. Nursery seedlings may be used as rootstocks. However, to cut down the period within which the grafted seedlings take to establish after planting, it is more economical to use wildlings. Select wildlings on the basis of vigorous growth (ranging between 50 and 150 cm in height with a collar diameter of between 1.5 and 3 cm) and absence of parasites.