Graft died - reuse rootstock (forum)

LaurenceL starts with ...
Hello, I had a grapefruit tree, the graft died after it was eaten by cows. The rootstock is still growing and healthy. Can I reuse the rootstock for grafting another citrus tree? What is the best way to go about it? The rootstock is about 4 year old, has multiple branches steming from root stock. Do I cut all rootstock branches before grafting, where is best location on rootstock to graft, and best time of the year? thank you

Time: 5th July 2022 7:13am

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jakfruit etiquette says...
Yes the process is called Topworking. The method often depends on the diameter of the rootstock. Trunks up to 2 or 3 inches can usually be budded or grafted directly themselves. With larger trunks it is better to work into rootstock shoots. Usually at least pencil thick are easiest to work with.
You can graft, T bud or Chip bud, depending on your skill.
If you only rework one shoot or one side of the stump, the bark on other side can often die back. So it is better to work a few areas around the trunk to balance. You could work into existing rootstock shoots, remembering you may need to cut the top of the trunk off, maybe with a hacksaw blade or thin saw that can get between. Leave a bit of a stub above the shoot bases to allow for at lease a cm or two of bark dieback from the cut off trunk top.
When you graft or bud, make sure the bud eyes are facing the way you want the shoots to sprout ( mainly outwards away from the trunk, and not crossing back over ). This gives an open structure to the new tree.
This method is for reworking larger orchard trees.
If you research Topworking your should find methods more like your situation. Videos can be easier to follow.
https://chislettfarms.com.au/resources/citrus-top-working-by-budding.html

Time: 5th July 2022 7:46pm

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Edward3 says...
There are some good video clips on Youtube showing how to graft citrus, including changing to a different citrus type.

Time: 5th July 2022 9:19pm

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Original Post was last edited: 5th July 2022 9:23pm

About the Author Edward3
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