Grafting and Propagation of Fruit Trees

Home tree fruit production can be a rewarding venture. Since most fruit trees do not come true from seed, vegetative propagation by either grafting or budding methods are used. Knowing which methods of propagation to use with which plant is what makes it all work. On Thursday, October 13th, Tom Callahan from Adams County Nursery will speak about grafting and propagation of fruit trees. The meeting is sponsored by the Cumberland Woodland Owners Association and will be held at 7:00 P.M. at the Cumberland County Extension Office which is located at 310 Allen Road in Carlisle. You do not have to be a member and there is no cost to attend.

Grafting and budding involve joining two genetically distinct plants so that they
unite to continue growth as a single plant. Grafting and Budding are the most important means of propagating fruit and nut trees for two reasons. First, species and cultivars that cannot be propagated by cutting or layering can be propagated by budding and grafting. Second, budding and grafting allows the use of rootstocks with desirable characteristics that make them preferable to growing a tree on its own roots. Tom Callahan has over 26 years of experience with Adams County Nursery in growing fruit trees with these methods.

The Cumberland Woodland Owners Association (CWOA) is an organization of private forestland owners and others interested in forestry issues in south central Pennsylvania. The mission of the association is to provide information, education and an exchange of ideas to its members and others about the methods and benefits of proper forest management. For more information about the Cumberland Woodland Owners Association and the October 13th meeting, contact Fred Peabody at 717/776-3565 (email: fredp5@earthlink.net).