What are the key management techniques after grafting loquat?
Fruit tree grafting requires mastering certain techniques, and loquat is no exception. If the grafting time and method are wrong, the graft will fail. In addition, if post-grafting management is not followed up, grafting failures also often occur. So how should loquat be managed after grafting? Let's take a look together.
1. Check the survival rate
Generally, 20-30 days after grafting, you can tell whether the scion has survived. You can check by the state of the grafted bud and leaf stalk. If the grafted bud is fresh and the leaf stalk falls off at a touch, it indicates that it has survived. For example, if the grafted bud is shriveled, scorched yellow in color, or the grafted bud has already dried up, and some scion tips have turned black, it indicates that it has not survived. For scions that have not survived, timely re-grafting should be carried out.
2. Break the film and expose the buds
When the grafted bud begins to sprout, use the tip of a knife to carefully pierce the grafting film that hinders the sprouting of the grafted bud. For example, if the grafted bud has already survived, 7-10 days after untying the film strip, cut the rootstock above the grafted bud to four-fifths of its diameter, then twist it off at the cut so that one-fifth of the rootstock bark remains connected to the stem, allowing water and nutrients to flow between above and below. Wait until the grafted bud sprouts and sends out secondary shoots, and when it has at least 4-5 mature large leaves on it, after the new shoots stop growing, cut off all branches and leaves on the rootstock.
3. Remove buds and set up supports
The management focus after grafting is to protect the scion and promote its sprouting. Rootstock buds sprouting below the graft union should be removed in time to reduce unnecessary nutrient consumption. After the new shoots mature, cut off the rootstock 1 cm above the graft union. The new shoots have tender branches and large leaves and are very easily broken by wind, so supports should be inserted, and the new shoots should be tied firmly with film or other kinds of rope.
4. Fertilizer and water management
After the spring shoots mature, apply thin fertilizer frequently. Dig trenches to apply fertilizer, and apply the fertilizer on the drip line of the original tree canopy to stimulate fine roots. In drought, irrigate in time, and in the rainy season, drain in time to prevent waterlogging. In addition, attention should also be paid to strengthening the prevention and control of pests and diseases. Aphids can be controlled by spraying dichlorvos, and leaf spot disease can be controlled with thiophanate-methyl.
The above is an introduction to the management techniques after grafting loquat. I hope it can help you. To learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.