Wondering if it is even possible.
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Yes. What species are you considering?
You can do a reverse cleft graft aka saddle graft.
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Any really. Rootstocks seem in shorter supply then scions in everything. Of course there is bud grafting or grafting on to trees you have as well.
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For grafting onto such a small diameter root stock I would make certain to pot the rootstock so that it’s easier to do precise cuts. Then practice an offset whip and tongue until you are confident of ability. Also practice an offset cleft graft to see which you can do best. Then do your actual graft.
Dennis
Kent wa
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It’s definitely possible to graft big lger scion to smaller rootstock using a number of techniques, but 1/8” is kinda pushing it. You might consider grafting at the crown where it begins to flair put. Even though its seldom practiced commercially today, This was THE bog standard bench graft for a long time.
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1/4" on 1/8" might be too big of a difference, but here’s a thread about one technique for larger scions on smaller rootstocks:
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Saw a video from overseas where they were “Approach” grafting. Kinda strange placing rootstock up in live trees while the grafts took. But it apparently works for poor farmers with no other choice but to use suckers and a dearth of scion wood.
Admittedly the grafts risk breakage.
Grafting 1/8 rootstock is awkward. I’d do a simple splice or reverse clef and wrap it for extra support.
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Nearly all the scions I got last year were rated 3/16”. Mulberry, apple, persimmon etc. They weren’t particularly hard to graft and I got excellent takes with even much larger scionwood — I would estimate some were 3/8 or larger.
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Yep, done it on apples. Whip and tounge. I usually cut a long angle and let the cut part on the scion get narrow to match the stock. Wrap that tight then line up the scion so one side of the cambian matches all the way down. Lots of parafilm to seal and hold tight. Those Fedco scions are always bigger than my stocks.
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You could also graft one 1/4" scion to two 1/8" rootstocks.
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Graft large size scion onto a smaller rootstock is not a issue. I have done it on peach and found the take rate is high. Although mine scions and rootstock were both closer to recommended size. I have never tried 1/8" . But theoretically, as long as both are compatible and healthy, I don’t see why it won’t work.