How to graft a nectarine? Master these practical little tips
The nectarine is actually a variant of the common peach, so it is grafted onto the common peach tree, and generally a plum tree is used as the rootstock. A branch of the common peach tree is used as the scion, and after grafting this way, nectarines will grow. So what exactly is the grafting method, what points need attention, and how should it be managed and maintained? Now let us learn together about the specific little grafting methods.
1. Preparatory work
Choose a peach tree of pure variety and not mixed, and take branches from a robust peach tree as the scion. Collect upper outer branches free of pests and diseases as the scion. After the scion is taken, it must be stored in sand to keep it fresh, or for transport. Choose a sapling with a thickness of about 0.5 cm as the rootstock, and it needs to be about 30 cm tall. The rootstock must also be a healthy sapling free of pests and diseases.
2. Grafting methods
Bud grafting is carried out in August. First remove all the sprouts within 15 cm of the base of the rootstock, to avoid them competing for the nutrients of the grafted bud. This improves the survival rate. T-shaped bud grafting. Cut a T-shaped incision on the rootstock, with the cut depth reaching the green layer. Make a slanted cut from the scion to take a bud, then insert it into the rootstock incision, tie the incision, and expose the bud. The cut grafting method is to cut the rootstock directly at the two-thirds cross-section, about 1.3 cm. Leave a few buds on the scion, cut the lower end into a 2 cm cut surface, cut the back into a 1 cm cut surface, then insert it into the rootstock and align the cambium. Tie it well and it is done.
3. Care and management
A newly grafted bud has poor overwintering ability, so if grafting in autumn, it can be left untied to help it overwinter. Before winter, watering can also be used to keep it warm and prevent cold damage. In spring, cut the rootstock, and then begin to untie. After cutting the rootstock, sprouts will appear, so these sprouts must be removed in time to ensure the growth of the grafted bud. In summer, begin watering and fertilizing together. Apply 20 jin of urea and 30 jin of phosphate fertilizer per mu. In summer, focus on controlling aphids.
4. Sapling pruning
After the grafted bud grows into a plant, remove the secondary shoots at the base of the plant after autumn begins. In September, the tender shoots that continue to grow can be removed. Plant grafted saplings more sparsely, with wider row spacing, so it is easy to lift the seedlings with soil. When the grafted sapling is half a meter tall, pinch the tip. After there are several branches, keep the main branch, pinch the tip of the main branch, and remove the other branches.
The nectarine is a variety produced after grafting onto an ordinary peach tree. There are many grafting methods, and the main ones introduced are bud grafting and cut grafting. What is very important in grafting is preparation and post-grafting care, both of which are key tasks that determine the survival rate.