Characteristic anatomy of union formation in T- and chip-budded fruit and ornamental trees

Abstract

SummaryDeficiencies in the anatomy of graft unions following T-budding were associated with very low bud-take in Acer platanoides cv Crimson King, relatively poor quality trees in Malus putitila cv Cox’s Orange Pippin, low lateral production in Pyrus communis cv Conference and relatively small trees in Tilia χ euchlora. In all species the cambium was lifted in the ‘bark’ flap, necessitating considerable callus infilling and the development cf a new cambium to effect a union. There was little xylem development in these shields during the weeks following budding. Chip-budding gave rapid union formation following good juxtaposition of the cambium of rootstock and scion, and the nursery performance of each species was improved.