CHAPTER IV 

 GRAFTING 



GRAFTING is the process of inserting a stem or bud of one 

 plant into another plant in such a manner that the two 

 unite and grow. The portion of the plant to which the 

 graft is applied is called the stock and the piece inserted 

 in the stock is called the scion. The stock furnishes the 

 nourishment and the future growth develops from the 

 scion. 



The cambium layer is the living tissue between the wood 

 and the bark. In all kinds of grafting, it is essential that 

 the cambium of the stock and scion touch each other. 

 When the graft is made, the wounded cambium of both 

 scion and stock begins to produce a new tissue known as 

 the callus. The two parts, being maintained in rigid 

 contact, grow together making a permanent union. 



Functions of Grafting. (i) Grafting is used to multiply 

 varieties that will not come true from seed. The seeds of 

 most of our tree fruits produce plants that bear fruits un- 

 like the parents and generally of inferior quality. Seeds 

 of the Baldwin apple or of the Bartlett pear do not produce 

 trees of these varieties. Hence, to produce a tree of similar 

 characteristics, it is essential to propagate by grafting. 

 All the common tree fruits of America and many of the 

 ornamental shrubs and trees are propagated by this means. 

 The principal function of grafting, therefore, is to per- 

 petuate varieties. 



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