When is the best time to graft pear trees for a high survival rate? A detailed explanation of grafting methods

Pear fruit is edible and has high nutritional and medicinal value. In China, the cultivation area and output of pears are second only to apples, and grafting is a propagation method that ensures high and stable yields of pear trees. So when is the best time to graft pear trees for a high survival rate? What are the grafting methods? According to Uncle Lin, a fruit grower, pear grafting is best done in spring and autumn. In spring the sap flows upward, and in autumn nutrients are stored downward. These two seasons are when the cambium is most active, so the grafting survival rate is relatively high.

Pear tree grafting methods

For branch grafting of pear trees, the "big top-cutting" method can be used, that is, selecting four main branches in suitable directions on the lower layer, sawing them off at one chi and a half from the trunk, and grafting on them. If they are too close to the trunk, the branches after survival will grow upright and become crowded; if they are too far from the trunk, the fruiting area is likely to shift outward and the inner canopy will become empty. For the central trunk, saw it off at 1.5-1.8 m above the ground and graft on it. To save scions, remove all the remaining branches.

The most commonly used method on pear trees is cleft grafting, which can be used for main branches with a diameter of 5-6 cm. First shave the sawed rootstock with a knife to expose the cambium, then split it open from the middle with a knife. Cut the scion into a wedge shape; the cut surface should be flat and smooth. Insert the scion into the rootstock, making sure the cambium aligns with the cambium, with white exposed at the top and a gap at the bottom. Graft two scions on each main branch, seal tightly with mud on the outside, then wrap well with plastic film. That completes the graft.

For thicker main branches, the insertion grafting method can be used. First shave the rootstock with a knife to expose the cambium, then poke it first with a bamboo skewer to make it easier to insert the scion. Next cut the scion into a horseshoe shape, shave off two-thirds of the outer bark on the back of the horseshoe shape, and insert the prepared scion into the rootstock. Then seal tightly with mud on the outside and seal tightly with plastic film. Insert three scions on each main branch. That completes the graft.

For pear trees with a lopsided crown, the side grafting method can be used. In the direction where branches are missing, first cut a triangular opening in the bark of the main branch, poke it first with a bamboo skewer, then cut the scion into a horseshoe shape, remove the outer bark on the back of the horseshoe shape, and insert the prepared scion into the bark. Then seal tightly with mud on the outside and seal tightly with plastic film. That completes the graft.

Main value of pear trees

Pear trees have ornamental value. Besides their sweet fruit and elegant flowers, pear trees also have a distinctive tree-form beauty, making them suitable for viewing around residences and for courtyard cultivation.

Pear fruit has the function of promoting salivation and quenching thirst, and clearing accumulated heat in the stomach and intestines.