A detailed article on navel orange grafting

Navel orange grafting is a common plant propagation method, where a navel orange scion is grafted onto another plant (the rootstock) to achieve the goals of reproduction and variety improvement. Here’s a detailed introduction to navel orange grafting:

Release date:

2024-03-27


Navel orange grafting is a common plant propagation method, where a navel orange scion is grafted onto another plant (the rootstock) to achieve the goals of reproduction and variety improvement. Below is a detailed introduction to navel orange grafting:

I. Grafting Time

The ideal time for navel orange grafting is typically early spring and summer, as these seasons offer moderate temperatures that promote both the healing of the graft wound and the healthy growth of the grafted plant. Specifically, grafting is usually carried out in February-March and July-August.

II. Grafting Method

There are several methods for grafting navel oranges, primarily including cleft grafting, bud grafting, and side grafting.

  1. Cleft Grafting Method: At a height of 5–10 cm above the ground, cut off the upper portion of the rootstock seedling. Next, make a split in the rootstock and carefully insert the long, sloped surface of the scion into the rootstock’s cleft. Ensure that the cambium layers of both the scion and rootstock align on at least one side, then secure the graft with a strip of plastic film.

  2. Bud grafting, also known as shield budding or "T"-budding, is performed by first making a horizontal cut on the rootstock, then creating a vertical slit downward from the center of the horizontal cut to form a "T" shape. Next, the bud from the scion is carefully inserted into the T-shaped incision on the rootstock and secured with a strip of plastic film.

  3. Cleft Grafting: The scion can be a single bud or multiple buds. During grafting, make a sloping cut on the rootstock, insert the scion into the cut, and then secure it with a plastic film strip.

III. Post-Grafting Management

After grafting, a series of management practices are required, including removing suckers, pruning the rootstock, staking and straightening the plant, pinching to encourage branching, and managing fertilization and irrigation.

  1. Removing Suckers and Trimming the Rootstock: Promptly remove any suckers growing on the rootstock to encourage healthy growth of the scion. When trimming the rootstock, pay close attention to the position and height of the cut to avoid hindering the development of the grafted plant afterward.

  2. Staking: During the removal of unwanted shoots and pruning of the rootstock, promptly straighten any newly sprouted seedlings to ensure upright growth of the plants.

  3. Pinching and shaping: When the seedlings reach a certain height, pinch off their growing tips to encourage branching. After pinching, retain evenly distributed branches while removing any excess shoots.

  4. Fertilizer and Water Management: Adjust fertilization and watering practices based on the plants' growth conditions. During periods of vigorous growth, increase both the frequency and amount of fertilization. In dry seasons, ensure timely irrigation, while during the rainy season, pay close attention to drainage to prevent waterlogging.

IV. Important Notes

  1. Selection of scions: Scions should be collected from certified disease-free mother trees, using one-year-old early-autumn shoots from fruit-bearing branches of the previous year’s trees. This ensures high grafting success rates and promotes healthy growth of the resulting plants.

  2. Grafting tool disinfection: Before grafting, ensure that your tools are thoroughly disinfected to prevent the spread of pathogens.

  3. Protection after grafting: After grafting, the joined area should be protected to prevent damage from pests, diseases, and adverse weather conditions.

In summary, navel orange grafting is a highly technical process that requires mastering the correct grafting techniques as well as post-grafting management practices. By implementing appropriate grafting and management strategies, we can enhance the reproductive efficiency and quality of navel oranges, ultimately contributing to the growth and development of the navel orange industry.


Navel Orange Grafting