The Grafting Process Across Avocado Varieties
Grafting is a sophisticated agricultural practice that facilitates the propagation of superior plant varieties by merging them with vigorous root systems. In our orchard, we employ this technique across various avocado varieties to attain trees that inherit the best traits of both the rootstock and the donor tree.
Choosing the Perfect Rootstock:
The success of grafting largely hinges on the quality of the rootstock. We painstakingly select healthy rootstocks that are approximately 45-60 days old. These rootstocks ideally have a diameter of 4-5 cm and stand tall at a height of around 30-45 cm. The robustness of these rootstocks ensures the resultant tree inherits a resilient foundation.
Materials Needed:
Rootstock
Bud from a donor tree
Sharp grafting knife
Red Lime tumeric
Plastic tape for securing the graft
Alcohol for disinfection
6*10 cm ziplock bag
The Grafting Procedure:
Disinfection: All instruments, especially the knife, are thoroughly cleaned using alcohol to prevent any contamination that could jeopardize the graft's success.
Preparing the Rootstock: Using the grafting knife, make an incision on the rootstock about 5-10 cm above the soil level. This incision should resemble a shark's mouth shape. This shape allows for a snug fit of the donor bud.
Attaching the Bud: The bud from another tree is then carefully attached to the incision made on the rootstock. It is then securely wrapped with the plastic tape, ensuring a close contact between the bud and rootstock.
Protecting the Graft: To maintain humidity and protect the newly grafted section, the graft point is enclosed with a 6*10 cm ziplock bag. This protective covering remains in place for a duration of 45-60 days, supporting the successful union of the bud and rootstock.
Exposure to Sunlight: As the first signs of leaves begin to emerge from the graft, indicating its success, the tree is carefully moved to receive sunlight. This helps in strengthening the young tree and aids in its growth.
Versatility Across Varieties: One of the significant advantages of this grafting procedure is its versatility. It can be effectively employed across different breeds of avocados, allowing us to cultivate a diverse range of high-quality avocado trees.