General observations on grafting

Grafting is one of the most common technique to reproduce plants. One of the main characteristics, as in all the agamic propagations, is that it guarantees uniformity of species, not possible in nature. Other advantages: uniformity of cultivation, resistance to deseases, easy adaptation to different weather conditions.
The rootstock is a plant usually produced from a seed or also a layer, a scion, and has the function of hosting the scion. The grafting can be carried out on different kinds of plant: arboreal, shrubby, or herbaceous.
In order to have a successfull grafting you have to take into consideration some factors:

 

1) Affinity
There must be compatibility between the gentile and the rootstock, that is a kind of physiological similarity. Plants belonging to the same species are usually used as basic parameter. The taking roots between different species is far more difficult, but possible in some plants;
2) Period
The period in which you cary out the grafting is very important. The right period can vary according to the kind of grafting.
3) Polarity
It is necessary to respect the direction of growth of the plant. It is not possible to graft a sprout in a different direction because it will not take root.
4) Contact
The cells of the cambium, which contribute to the formation of the tissue of the branch section, must be in very close contact. For this reason, the joining parts of the scion and of the rootstock must be as united as possible.
Remember: a good grafter must be fast and confident, the knife blade must be very sharp and possibly sterilized.