Stitch Together A Monster

Many of us often "take the time to smell the flowers." Some of the most fragrant common flowers that come to mind are the Tea Roses. What people do not often realize is the effort that has gone into producing these exceptional varities of plants. Yes, they required selective breeding, but it actually went a step further than that. The upper portion of the plant is a completely different variety from the lower portion, as two different varieties "surgically" joined together to provide us with the incredible blossoms we feast our eyes on. The root stock (below the soil) was selected for hardiness, while the scion (upper portion) was selected for it's bloom qualities.

Commercial vegetable greenhouse growers also utilize the technique of grafting in order to improve yields and reduce plant susceptibility to diseases. If a plant is to be used for production for lenghty periods, it is often econmically feasible for the grower to take advantage of grafting techniques. Some commonly grown hydroponic plants can be grafted, and it is especially advantageous if they are to be regenerated.

For example, the grower has a variety which produces an excellent quality product and is a high yielder. Unfortunately, this variety often falls victim to root-rot or other root related problems. This grower also has a variety that is a fair producer but seems very resistant to root related problems.

Now, with a little practice, the grower can combine both of these plants in order to produce a "super plant." This plant will have all the characteristics the grower is looking for, with the one drawback that this plant must be grafted together each time for production, or can simply be regenerated (24hrs of light for 10-14 days after harvesting while making sure to have some nodes and leaves remaining on the lower portion of the plant).

It is worth while to note some other applications for grafting techniques. For example in dieoecious plants (those having separate female and male plants), a single male branch can be grafted onto a known female. This new branch will retain the same physical characteristics and sex type as the donor, yet grow on a different cultivar of an opposite sex. This might be advantageous for seed producers.

Another variation along the same line of thinking would be to develop a single mother plant which is capable of producing several different varieties of clones for production. This way, there are fewer plants to look after. And just think, if you flowered this plant: several different kinds of productwould come from the same plant! This would also allow the grower to accurately compare the environmental responses of the different varieties as they would all be in the same place at the same time (VS different plants in different spots under the lights).

When selecting donor plants it is best to graft when cells are most actively dividing. Plants that are about two to three weeks into vegetative growth, within reasonable size, are the best candidates.

1. Foliar spray and irrigate medium with products high in cytokinins and thiamine (B-1) 1/2-1 hr prior to "surgery".
2. Wearing gloves or after cleaning hands thoroughly using a disposable scalpel or sterilized razor blade, make a steep downward cut on plant to be used for rootstock. If you want to loose all identity of the upper portion of this plant, make sure to do it below the first nodes if possible.
3. Immediately proceed to cut scion from chosen donor (upper portion) and make a steep downward cut. You should try to match stem thicknesses with rootstock to be grafted to.
4. Align the two portions together and hold together firmly, yet gently. Spray an anti-transpirant around the joint, such as "No-Wilt." The two portions can also be supported by a splint, make sure that the splint to be used is completely sterile. This is done prior to wrapping the wound.
5. Wrap the wound gently but snug with a piece of rubber. A piece of a rubber balloon works well. Secure the rubber by wrapping wire or a twist tie, making sure not to constrict the joint.
6. Place the new plant in a humidity dome and treat as a cutting. Apply B-1 and cytokinin products frequently. Remove from dome and put in to production once new signs of growth appear.