Graft method with leaves attached

[hardyvermont]

I have a modified a grafting method that is more reliable for me.

The major difference is that a few leaves of the grafting material are not removed.

2 or 3 leaves are covered with Type M parafilm on all sides, including the stem. 

Cleft graft is made. 

Graft is wrapped in type M parafilm, Rubber band is wrapped around graft, and a final wrapping of the graft is made.

Wet paper towel is placed near the wrapped leaves, and the top of the plant is covered with a clear plastic bag.

Plant is placed under 12 hour  grow light. 

Parafilm wrapped leaves do not fall off, and the grafted material puts out new growth in a few weeks. 

Not using parafilm on the leaves and just a wet clear plastic bag is less successful. 

[sc4001992]

That's an interesting method, never seen that one. I usually don't have any issues with citrus, probably because I'm in SoCal. I don't think I had any citrus varieties that were difficult to graft. But maybe your method will give higher % of success if you only have 1 or 2 scions to work with and can't get any more.

[sc4001992]

After thinking about your new method, it might be a good one to try on some hard to graft fruit trees.

[dytandme]

That's an interesting method, never seen that one. I usually don't have any issues with citrus, probably because I'm in SoCal. I don't think I had any citrus varieties that were difficult to graft. But maybe your method will give higher % of success if you only have 1 or 2 scions to work with and can't get any more.

For those of us whose trees and cuttings overwinter in their homes in colder climates, the moisture lost to dry heated air can make a significant difference in cutting survival rates. Normally I root whips instead of grafting, but I am sure it is true both ways.

After thinking about your new method, it might be a good one to try on some hard to graft fruit trees.

I've seen fig growers do something similar with parafilm(?) I think... I'd imagine it would be a better way than the moisture dome-type methods for anything prone to rot.

[usirius]

Thank you hardyvermont for introducing this rather unusual grafting method!

I have used this method successfully. Sometimes I cut the leaves in half or down to the winged petiole if there are several. I think that the remaining leaves, if they are protected from damage, support the plant's growth and subsequent growth better than if they are removed.

However, if I only graft one bud, I remove the leaf completely.

[mikkel]

This may be linked to auxin formation in the apical meristem and in the uppermost leaves. Auxins promote callus formation. It might be possible that the presence of an auxin source favors attachment success...
I recently tried it for the first time too, I'm curious!

[Lauta_hibrid]

I have used a similar method for "mini grafts" or "micro grafts." Sometimes the root of a valuable finished seed rots or, as in the case of microcitrus, you want to give more vigor to the small seedling. In grafts with such small material, it happens that it does not have enough reserves to stick and then sprout. In addition, the presence of leaves prevents the sap from retracting in these mini grafts. Also, to prevent them from drying out inside the bag, I usually leave a leaf from the graft root inside the bag with the mini graft (which also has leaves). This leaf from the root usually accumulates moisture when it transpires inside, and helps the graft leaves stay hydrated. It has worked for me in difficult cases.

[hardyvermont]

Mikkel: This may be linked to auxin formation in the apical meristem and in the uppermost leaves. Auxins promote callus formation. It might be possible that the presence of an auxin source favors attachment success...

Good idea.
Maybe sugars trying to get to the root stimulates the connection? 

Lauta_hibrid: I usually leave a leaf from the graft root inside the bag with the mini graft (which also has leaves). This leaf from the root usually accumulates moisture when it transpires inside, and helps the graft leaves stay hydrated.

I am going to encase the entire plant in a clear plastic bag, leaves not covered with parafilm do dry out.