Pear Tree Cleft Grafting: Key Techniques and Step-by-Step Method Explained

  Branch grafting of pear trees can be further divided into cleft grafting, tongue grafting, approach grafting and other forms, with cleft grafting and cut grafting being the most commonly used. Cut grafting is mostly carried out in early spring (mid to late March) when the trees begin to break dormancy but have not yet budded. The rootstock diameter should preferably be 2-3 cm. Cut the rootstock horizontally at 2-3 cm from the base of the branch, select a spot with thick bark and straight grain, and split vertically downward to a depth of about 3 cm. Take a scion 5-6 cm long with 2-3 plump buds and cut it into two cut faces, insert it into the split of the rootstock, align the cambium of the scion and rootstock, and bind tightly with hemp fiber or plastic film.

  This method is suitable for field grafting on rootstocks 1-2 cm thick at the root crown, and is one of the commonly used methods in branch grafting.

  Cutting the scion: The scion is usually 5-8 cm long, preferably with 2-3 plump buds. Cut the lower part of the scion into two cut faces, one long and one short. The long face is on the same side as the lateral bud, cutting away more than 1/3 of the xylem, about 2-3 cm long, and on the opposite side of the long face cut a small horseshoe-shaped bevel about 1 cm long.

  Rootstock preparation: Cut off the rootstock at 5-8 cm above the ground. Choose a spot where the rootstock bark is thick, smooth and straight-grained, smooth the cut surface of the rootstock flat, then make a vertical cut downward at the edge of the xylem. The width of the cut should equal the diameter of the scion, and the depth is generally 2-3 cm.

  Joining: Insert the scion into the cut of the rootstock with the large cut face facing inward. Align and fit the cambium of the scion with that of the rootstock. If both sides cannot be aligned, aligning one side is also acceptable.

  Tying: Wrap tightly with plastic, making sure to cover the split and the cut end completely and securely. Be careful not to disturb the scion when tying.