whip and tongue graft

This shows a whip and tongue graft, as requested. It is an effective graft, better with the tongue than without, but a bit fiddly. The whip graft (minus tongue) is probably the simplest graft of all, you just make corresponding slanting cuts in stock and scion and tie them together, as I mention half way through this video, but although this is quicker I don't think it grows together so well or is as stable. I bought a tree grafted like this once, and the scion just fell off although it had taken. The 2 locking tongues give better contact.

Like all grafts, you need a very sharp knife and sometimes will be working with the sharp edge towards yourself, with the bit of wood you are working on in one hand and the knife in the other, working towards it, so always be very careful.

Note the way I lock my thumbs together and work the knife in a see-saw motion, this I believe reduces the risk of slipping and cutting yourself, but there is always a risk, and if your knife isn't sharp enough to cut you badly it isn't sharp enough for efficient grafting.

date was 20th April 2009, using dormant wood of Broxwood Foxwhelp kindly supplied by Andrew Lea, and stored in the fridge wrapped in moist cloth in a polythene bag for 2 months. Earlier might have been better, but I was unable to do it due to holiday, I'm not doing much grafting for myself this year, mainly did this as a demo. Will let you know if it takes.

AS I mention, the whip and tongue graft is shown in stills on the grafting section of my www.fruitwise.net site.

I prefer the saddle graft as I find it easier and quicker to do, less cutting towards yourself so less risk of an accident, and the end result is neater to my eyes.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• apple
• tree
• orchard
• graft
• knife
• grafting
• whip
• tongue

[zeu97]

yes,i find it the most efficient method..i tried it too last mounth ..i cant wait to see results ... I olso have a question 4u,Steph .. the drafted brench will go green later than other brench ...or in the same time ... in my case i see no changes on my works from march .. , i even cut one of the grafted brench ...and i see they are all green inside...but no leaf yet .. is that a sign that i fail in grafting it ? Thank you :-)

[stephenhayesuk]

Hi Zeu. It's too early to say, you just have to be patient and wait to see. Usually the new growwth on the grafted-in (scion) wood will be slow to grow away, but sometimes will be very active very soon. It varies depending on quality of wood, how good your surfaces meet, the health and strehgth of the stock, how well you tie in, etc.

I am always amazed, every time, when a graft takes. And yet if it is done correctly, as i have tried to show to the best of my ability, it very often does take.

[xSkitZx]

@yesfan21 the graft should in fact be sealed as soon as possible with grafting wax, paper towel does not serve to keep moisture in, in fact as it dries out in the air it actually draws moisture from the graft. I can not fathom why stephen doesn't seal the graft but I would bet a lot that even he would up his success rate by using it.

[crabtrap]

your graphting knowledge is boundless but your knife sharpening technique is severly flawed. never use a knife steel(the round thing your "sharpened with") to try to create a an edge. the tool you used is onlt to streighten the knife edge. you should be using a leather strop instead and ,on occasion a whet stone. that looked to be a quality knife so treat it right. lose the knife steel rod in the bushes : )

[burbs47]

Here's a hint to improve success rate.. Seal any cuts (especially the apex of the scion) with grafting wax or a similar horticultural sealant. This prevents the scion from drying out before the graft takes.

[yesfan21]

Is there any special care at the grafting area? I followed your method and 3 days later, the scion showed sign of dehydration - it either loses moisture or not getting the moisture from the stock. Actually, I've been adding drops of water to the grafting area (which I also wrapped a piece of paper towel to keep the moisture in). Any idea? Thanks!

[OceanicLoveLetters]

Love my Opinel! Purchased in France 40 years ago on the advice of my farmer friend, Floru (although we used it more on his homemade saucisson during our mushroom hunts, rather than on trees). Thanks for showing me how to use it on a cleft graft. I love your videos... I'm a neophyte grafter.... got my scion at the Santa Cruz scion exchange... a great thing!

[SoftDeko]

Simple, straight forward no unneeded over elaboration of the event. Good voice, knowledgeable and hands on description with recorded actions for all to duplicate. Thank you to both.

Dafydd

[MAMEMAN1975]

THANKS GUY!

[jareus1]

Another fantastic video to add to the collection. Many thanks Stephen. *****