Professional grafting tool

Types of Professional Grafting Tool

There are several types of professional grafting tools mainly focusing on the kind of cuts they leave on the branches and the stock. Hence, when one type is used, it can yield better results and promote better growth. Below are the types with some of their sub-types.

Grafting knives

These are very sharp knives specifically designed to make the cuts necessary for grafting. Most of them have a tapered blade that can make incisions easily, and some have a pull on the edge that can facilitate the notch or flap cut.

Standard grafting knife

This design is used for most grafting works. It has a slim, sharp blade for cutting grafts and a wooden handle for comfort.

Grafting knife with a foldable blade

This type of knife is excellent for carrying out the knife without worrying about the exposed sharpness. The folding mechanism is usually simple, with a lock to ensure safety during usage.

In addition, simple line folding knives are also used, where the knife is folded in to enhance safety, although simple line folding grafting knives are not as secure and safe as they have to lock when folding. Lockback folding grafting knives are also another one where the knife locks into place to provide extra safety while using it.

Grafting hammers

Hammers are also an important tool for grafting. They are used to drive the grafting stakes into the soil and secure the grafting wire in the appropriate position. The type of grafting hammer that should be used depends on the kind of grafting that will be done and the kind of soil that will be worked on.

Grafting hammer with a flat head

This kind of hammer has a flat head, which makes it ideal for gentle tapping without damaging the grafting material.

Specialist grafting hammer

These hammers have various attachments that can be used for different types of grafting. For example, they may have a thin head for making small taps or even a pick end for tearing up the soil.

Grafting chisels

The chisels are used to make the cuts or incisions in the stock and scion wood to facilitate the grafting procedure. They are ideal for removing wood and making the necessary flat or wedge shape cuts in grafting.

Like other grafting tools, the kind of chisel which will be used depends on the kind of grafting which will be done and the kind of wood that will be worked on.

Flat-bladed chisels

These chisels are used to make flat cuts on rootstocks. Since they have flat blades, they are ideal for making horizontal incisions on grafting stocks.

Wedge-shaped chisels

The wedgeshaped chisels are excellent at making tapered grafting cuts. These chisels have a tapered blade that comes into a sharp edge towards the flat end and are ideal for making cleft grafts.

Commercial use of Professional Grafting Tool

A professional grafting kit is applied commercially in many settings within agriculture and horticulture, focusing on tree farms and nurseries and other large-scale agriculture.

Creating disease-resistant orchards

In fruit farms, grafting is used to develop varieties that are best suited to the particular locality. It enables growers to create orchards that produce fruits with superior taste and size while being hardier to local pests and diseases.

Producing uniform crops

Grafting promotes uniformity in large-scale operations, leading to regular harvesting, consistent quality in fruits, and predictable responses to irrigation and fertilization. Therefore, uniform plants make farm management easier because they all have the same needs and requirements to grow maximally.

Maximizing land productivity

Grafting enables the combo of different varieties onto a single rootstock, making the most limited land area. Multi-variety grafts allow for diverse products such as fruits and flowers on compact spaces.

Rehabilitation of old orchards

In some cases, orchards may be old and unproductive, but grafting can be used to rejuvenate such orchards by grafting new varieties onto the old rootstock. This allows orchards to be productive again without the need to replant.

Rapid propagation

Grafting allows for the rapid propagation of desired fruit trees, especially in large-scale commercial farming. By grafting onto rootstocks, farmers can quickly create new trees that will produce fruit sooner than from seed.

Controlling tree size

In agriculture, dwarfing rootstocks are used to control the size of fruit trees. Smaller trees are easier to plant and harvest and maximize yields per acre.

Increased value

Grafted trees are generally more valuable due to their enhanced vigor, better disease resistance, and ability to produce superior fruit quality. Farmers earn more profit by selling grafted trees to nurseries or consumers.

Pine grafting to prevent pests

Pine grafting is mainly done in forestry to prevent pests and maintain healthy stands of trees. Grafting allows for the replacement of infected trees with pest-resistant varieties to re-establish a pest-free population. Grafting creates faster-growing trees that outcompete pests and restore ecosystem balance.

Grafting sweet potatoes

Sweet potatoes are commonly grafted to fund fast-growing disease-resistant varieties. This method is mainly done by commercial sweet potato producers to help maintain healthy crops and ensure substantial yields over time.

Specific requirements for Professional Grafting Tool

When it comes to grafting, each of the tools that are used for professional grafting has to satisfy certain requirements to define their effectiveness and efficiency in carrying out grafting work. Below are some of the specific requirements:

Grafting knife requirements

The knife should be very sharp to allow precise cuts on the plants. It should also be durable because frequent cutting will be done during grafting, and it should be comfortable to use since it will be used for extended periods. The blade should lock securely and fold to keep it safe while not in use.

Grafting mallet requirements

Grafting mallets are required to be lightweight but with a heavy enough striking surface to avoid damaging the graft. It must be durable enough for frequent use, and it's essential that it does not splinter or crack, causing injury or disrupting the graft.

Grafting chisel requirements

Chisels should be made from hard steel with a sharp, durable blade to ensure it maintains its edge, as it will be used many times. It should also have a comfortable handle that provides a secure grip to prevent accidents. The chisel's blade should be narrow enough to allow for precise control over small cutting tasks.

Grafting compound requirements

The grafting compound should have a flexible and elastic texture to allow for normal plant growth. It should also be waterproof with the ability to seal well and protect the graft from pests and diseases. It should be easy to apply and enable the user to smooth it out quickly without taking much time.

Grafting forceps requirements

Grafting forceps should be made from stainless steel to ensure that they are durable and can easily be cleaned to avoid contamination. The pincers should also be designed in such a way that it provides a comfortable grip and prevents slippage when carrying out the procedure.

Grafting bands requirements

The bands should be stretchy so that they can allow the plant to grow and develop properly. They should be UV-resistant to ensure longevity, as they will be exposed to sunlight. They should also be easy to install and remove and should ideally biodegrade to prevent harm to the environment whenever they decay.

How to choose Professional Grafting Tool

In choosing grafting tools, it is important to consider several factors. Below are the ones to pay attention to:

• Type of grafting

  Different types of grafting require different kinds of tools. For instance, softwood grafting requires simple hand tools such as knives and pruners, whereas the complicated types of grafting, such as whip and tongue grafting, require more technical tools like grafting hammers and clamps.

• Repair and recovery period

  Another important consideration when choosing the kind of grafting tools to use is the time it will take for the grafting to recover and heal properly. For instance, skin grafting takes a short time, but organ grafting takes much longer than expected.

• Cost of grafting tools

  In most cases, the overall cost of the recovery procedure will be determined based on the type of grafting procedures targeting either tissue culture grafting or normal skin grafting. Also, there are some additional costs such as medications and bandages that may be included in tissue culture grafting compared to normal skin grafting, making it more expensive.

• Experience level

  The kind of technology that should be used for grafting should depend on whether a professional or beginner is doing it. For beginners, simple grafting knives and hand tools should be used, while for professional grafting, more sophisticated tools such as electric grafting knives and hammers should be used.

• Wood type

  In selecting grafting tools, one factor to consider is the kind of wood that will be worked on. For softer woods, only simple hand tools will suffice, but harder woods will need more sophisticated tools such as electric grafting knives and hammers.

Q&A

Q1: Which grafting tool is used to make the necessary cuts in the stock and scion?

A1: Grafting chisels are the basic tools used to make the necessary cuts or incisions in the stock and scion wood to facilitate the grafting procedure.

Q2: Why are grafting tools crucial for professionals?

A2: Because a professional grafting kit contains all the essentials for producing healthy grafts, including knives, hammers, chisels, clamps, and bands, professional crafters prefer them because they are complete.

Q3: What are the requirements of a grafting mallet?

A3: Grafting murlets should a have striking surface that is flat, lightweight but also heavy enough, and does not damage the graft.

Q4: When is it necessary to use electric grafting tools?

A4: Electric grafting tools are particularly helpful when a lot of grafting has to be done or when there is a need for more precise cuts.