On 7/15/23 I grafted three verticals of potted DV rootstock with W&T grafts and on a lower place of one shoot I also placed a chip bud graft. As of today 30 days later, only the chip bud is growing, no action from any of the three W&T grafts. Not exactly what I had expected since the W&T grafts have apical dominance.
Questions: The grafts are of Dar Sophia bud wood
Is it too late to graft the tops of each shoot again?
I am thinking it may be best to just prune off all growth above the successful chip bud and remove the other two shoots and the remains of the dead central leader stub now since it’s getting pretty late in the growing season. Where the three shoots emerge all three are at steep angles from the original central leader, so I am thinking letting all three shoots continue to grow with the prospect of adding other varieties would only create a weak crotch situation.
Any advice is appreciated.
Dennis
Kent, wa
As it thickens that crotch will not be as bad. I’d go with it as is.
How would you deal with removal of the central stub to prevent a trunk rot occurence? What is the best time to cut it out?
Dennis
I’d just cut it out now. Cut any of the others you don’t plan to use as well. That tree is small and in a couple years it will look much better and stronger. All you lost was a year.
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