Grafting Methodology

Preparation of Rootstock:

• Remove all leaves, leaving only the bottom two pairs.

• Cut the tip of the rootstock 15 cm above the ground.

• Use a sharp knife to create a vertical slit, approximately 3-5 cm deep, at the cut end of the rootstock.

Preparation of Scion:

• Cut a stem from the mother plant, 10-15 cm in length.

• Shape the bottom of the scion into a "V," ensuring it is 3-5 cm long with smooth, flat cuts and bark intact on both sides.

Grafting Process:

• Insert the scion into the slit on the rootstock immediately, ensuring proper alignment of the bark layers so that the cambium layers of the scion and rootstock overlap.

• Wrap the grafted area tightly with a thin plastic bag, covering the joint completely to prevent water entry and evaporation.

• Place the grafted seedlings in a shaded nursery for 15 days.

• Maintain the grafted seedlings in the nursery until the next planting season.

• Regularly check and remove any shoots sprouting from the rootstock during this period.

• Cut off the plastic wrapping after 3-4 months when the graft has healed.

• The grafted seedlings can be transplanted during the next planting season.