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What is the Best Scion for Grafting?

The “best” scion for grafting is highly dependent on the specific goals, desired characteristics, and the rootstock being used. There isn’t a single “best” option that applies universally. Instead, the optimal scion is the one that creates a compatible, vigorous, and fruitful combination with the chosen rootstock, while also possessing the desired qualities (e.g., fruit flavor, disease resistance, growth habit) sought by the grafter.

Understanding Grafting and Scion Selection

Grafting is the art and science of joining two plants together so they grow as one. The scion is the upper part of the graft, typically a twig or bud, that provides the desired fruit, flower, or ornamental characteristics. The rootstock is the lower part, providing the root system and influencing factors like vigor, disease resistance, and adaptation to soil conditions. Successful grafting hinges on the compatibility between the scion and rootstock.

Key Considerations for Choosing a Scion

Selecting the right scion is a multifaceted decision. Here are crucial factors to consider:

Compatibility: This is paramount. The scion and rootstock must be compatible for successful union formation and long-term growth. Compatibility is generally strongest within the same species, but sometimes works between closely related species.
Desired Characteristics: The scion should possess the traits you’re looking for. This could include specific fruit qualities (size, flavor, color, ripening time), flower color and form, disease resistance, or growth habit.
Health and Vigor: The scion wood should be taken from a healthy, vigorous parent tree. Avoid scions from trees showing signs of disease, pest infestation, or nutrient deficiency.
Timing: The timing of scion collection is crucial. Typically, scion wood is collected during the dormant season (late winter or early spring before bud break). This ensures the scion is full of stored energy and less likely to dry out during the grafting process.
Age of Wood: Generally, one-year-old wood is preferred for scion material. This wood is typically more vigorous and easier to work with than older wood.
Bud Quality: For bud grafting, choose scion wood with well-developed, healthy buds. The buds should be plump and free from damage.
Availability: Practicality dictates selecting scions that are readily available from reputable sources.

Examples Across Different Fruit Trees

Let’s examine how scion choice varies across common fruit trees:

Apples: With apples, you might choose a scion of ‘Honeycrisp’ for its crisp, sweet flavor, grafted onto a dwarfing rootstock like ‘M9’ for smaller tree size and earlier fruiting. Or, you might select a disease-resistant scion like ‘Liberty’ to reduce the need for chemical sprays.
Pears: For pears, a scion of ‘Bartlett’ (popular for canning) could be grafted onto a ‘Quince A’ rootstock to induce precocity (early fruiting) and control tree size.
Peaches: Peach scions like ‘Redhaven’ are often grafted onto rootstocks that are resistant to nematodes or peach tree borers.
Citrus: In citrus, scions are often chosen for their fruit quality (e.g., ‘Valencia’ oranges for juicing) and grafted onto rootstocks that provide cold hardiness or disease resistance to Phytophthora.

Obtaining Scion Wood

The best way to obtain scion wood is from a reliable and reputable source, such as a nursery specializing in fruit trees or a local fruit tree grower. This ensures the wood is true to type (correctly identified) and free from disease. You can also collect scion wood from your own trees, provided they are healthy and possess the desired characteristics.

FAQs about Scion Selection for Grafting

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the complexities of scion selection:

What does “compatible” mean in the context of grafting? Compatibility refers to the ability of the scion and rootstock to successfully fuse together, allowing for water and nutrient transport and sustained growth. Incompatible combinations will often fail to form a strong union or exhibit slow growth and eventual decline.
Can I graft any two fruit trees together? No. While grafting is possible between some closely related species, it’s generally best to graft within the same species. For example, grafting an apple scion onto an apple rootstock is much more likely to succeed than grafting an apple scion onto a pear rootstock.
How do I know if a scion and rootstock are compatible? Research is key. Consult grafting guides, university extension publications, and experienced grafters to determine compatible combinations for your desired fruit tree.
Can I use any branch as a scion? It’s best to use one-year-old wood from healthy, vigorous branches. Avoid using water sprouts (vigorous, upright shoots) or branches that are diseased or damaged.
When is the best time to collect scion wood? The best time to collect scion wood is during the dormant season, typically in late winter or early spring before the buds begin to swell.
How should I store scion wood after collecting it? Wrap the scion wood in slightly damp paper towels or sphagnum moss, place it in a plastic bag, and store it in the refrigerator. Keep it cool and moist, but not soaking wet.
How long can I store scion wood? Properly stored scion wood can typically be stored for several weeks or even a few months. Check the wood periodically to ensure it remains moist and healthy.
What if my scion wood starts to dry out? If the scion wood starts to dry out, you can try soaking it in water for a few hours to rehydrate it. However, severely dried-out wood is unlikely to be viable.
Can I graft multiple scions onto one rootstock? Yes, it is possible to graft multiple scions onto one rootstock. This technique is called “family grafting” and allows you to grow multiple varieties of fruit on a single tree.
What is “topworking” and how does scion selection apply? Topworking is the process of grafting a new variety onto an established tree. Scion selection is crucial; consider the established root system and select a scion that’s compatible and will thrive in the existing environment.
How does scion selection affect fruit size or quality? Scion selection directly impacts fruit size, flavor, color, ripening time, and other quality characteristics. The scion provides the genetic blueprint for the fruit.
Can I graft disease-resistant scions onto susceptible rootstocks to create a disease-resistant tree? Yes, grafting a disease-resistant scion onto a susceptible rootstock will result in a tree that produces disease-resistant fruit. However, the rootstock itself may still be susceptible to soilborne diseases.
What are the risks of using scion wood from an unknown source? Using scion wood from an unknown source carries the risk of introducing diseases or pests into your orchard or garden. It’s always best to use scion wood from a reputable source.
How does climate affect scion selection? Climate plays a significant role. Choose scions that are well-suited to your local climate and growing conditions. Consider factors like cold hardiness, heat tolerance, and resistance to common diseases in your area.
If my graft fails, can I re-graft the same rootstock? Yes, you can usually re-graft the same rootstock if the initial graft fails, provided the rootstock remains healthy. Allow the rootstock to recover for a short period before attempting another graft. Clean cuts and proper grafting techniques are key to success.

By carefully considering these factors and addressing these FAQs, you can significantly increase your chances of selecting the best scion for grafting and achieving a successful and fruitful outcome.

What is the best scion for grafting?