Unless the scion and rootstock are of approximately of the same diameter, less experienced grafters don’t have a high percentage of success, with the cleft graft. Most of the times, when trying to adjust perfectly both cambiums layers, there is a tendency to center the scion and, as a result, there is not a single point of contact between them and the graft fails. A higher percentage of success can be achieved by making sure the cambium layers cross at some point, by inserting the scion at an angle. Nevertheless, when using much different diameter scions and rootstocks, the problem is even greater. It’s more difficult to achieve a good position for the scion and despite using one or two scions (double cleft graft), there is usually a gap in the final graft, which heals poorly and is a source of problems in the future. The solution is using a modified cleft graft. By making the cleft away from the center, the adjustment between scions and rootstocks of different diameters is much better, the graft has a greater percentage of success and heals perfectly, with no gaps. Furthermore, the problem of adjusting cambium layers disappears and even with scions centered in the middle of the slot, the cambiums can start connecting at the base and end up making a solid union.
Try this modified technique in spring or fall, and you won’t regret it.
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Music – Youtube Audio Library
Mama's Whisper - The 126ers
Wave in the Atmosphere - Dan Lebowitz
The Opening - Dan Lebowitz
