WEDGE GRAFTING
Wedge or cleft grafting, which is a relatively easy method of asexual propagation, has been widely used on fruit trees. It is particularly desirable when budding is difficult and the buds on the scion are hardly detectable. It has been found to be very suitable for the propagation of mango trees. Fig.1 to 10 show the steps of wedge grafting on a mango plant.
 | Fig. 1. A 4-5 month old seedling of the same species raised in a polythene bag is used as rootstock. | |
 | Fig. 2 The apical end of the rootstock is removed. A split is formed on the stock by making a vertical cut 3-4 cm down from the centre of the stub. | |
 | Fig. 3.The terminal current season's shoot in active growth of a desirable clone, about 0.8-1.2cm in diameter, is selected as scion material. It is defoliated and disinfected prior to grafting. The scion may be of the same or smaller diameter than the rootstock. | |
 | Fig. 4 The base of the scion is cut with an equal-sided wedge. The scion with the basal end in the form of a wedge is ready for insertion. | |
| Fig. 5. The scion is inserted into the split of the rootstock so that at least one side of the cambia of the rootstock and the scion is in intimate contact. |  | |
 | Fig. 6. The scion and the rootstock are tied firmly in position with a clear polythene strip. | |
 | Fig. 7 The scion is then wrapped with a clear polythene strip to ensure that it is well-covered to prevent excessive wetting of the grafted portion should the rain water flow into it. | |
 | Fig. 8. The wedge grafting is completed. | |
 | Fig. 9 After the graft has healed and the terminal bud of the scion begins to sprout, loosen the polythene strip to allow the shoot to grow normally to avoid girdling. | |
| Fig. 10. A mango sapling successfully propagated by wedge grafting. |  | |
DATE: January 1989
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