To successfully graft citrus trees such as mandarin oranges, it's essential to follow a well-structured process that ensures high survival rates and healthy growth. The first step involves selecting young fruit-bearing branches—ideally 2 to 3 years old—from a healthy mandarin tree, such as the Xingjin Early Life variety. These branches will serve as the rootstock for the graft. To prevent nutrient backflow in the stem, a technique called ring-barking is applied at the base of the selected branch.
Next, on the sides of this fruit branch, a small section of bark is carefully removed using a knife. This creates an opening where the scion (the part to be grafted) can be inserted. The scion should come from a healthy sapling, such as a tangerine or mandarin tree. To protect the roots of the scion during the grafting process, they are wrapped in moist soil and formed into a ball. This ball is then covered with a damp cloth and sealed with a clear plastic film to maintain humidity and prevent drying out.
The soil used to enclose the root system should ideally be free of local fertilizers. However, adding a small amount of composted leaf soil or chopped hay can improve air circulation and help maintain soil structure, preventing it from breaking apart too quickly.
After about 40 days, the grafted area is cut with a saw at the site of the ring-barked region. The new plant is then transplanted into a plastic bag or container typically used for growing seedlings. This allows the graft to continue developing until spring, when it's ready for transplanting into the ground.
To increase the success rate of grafting, several key factors must be considered:
1. **Timing is crucial**: Grafting should be done between June and July, which differs from the usual grafting period for most citrus trees. If done too early, from March to May, the root system may not have developed enough, making the graft less likely to survive.
2. **Choose the right rootstock**: It's best to use fruit-bearing branches that haven’t yet produced fruit. According to Japanese growers, these have a higher survival rate. Also, avoid using overly thick branches, as this can lead to breakage during the cutting process.
3. **Proper scion preparation**: When cutting the scion, ensure the cut surface is angled to prevent cracking of the xylem. After insertion, applying a healing agent helps promote faster recovery.
4. **Maintain proper spacing**: Leave a 1–2 cm gap between the graft tape and the soil. If the tape is too close to the soil, it can block the scion’s roots from breathing, leading to weak growth.
This method is not only effective for citrus trees like mandarins, oranges, and grapefruits but can also be used for other common fruit trees, ornamental plants, and even rare potted species.
Another technique known as "parasitic grafting" involves using the roots of an existing fruit tree as the rootstock. In this method, 2 to 3-year-old fruit twigs are grafted onto the exposed roots. The process follows standard grafting techniques, but the goal is to take advantage of the root system’s natural vitality to boost graft survival.
When using this approach, the roots are cut and exposed to the surface. Then, the graft is made as usual. This method saves on seedlings and reduces costs, making it ideal for both on-site planting and transplantation. If you plan to move the graft later, choose smaller roots—about the thickness of a thumb. For permanent placement, stronger, thicker roots can be used, but they should not be too large, as this could hinder the overall growth of the tree. Finally, pay attention to shading the graft interface to protect it from direct sunlight.
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