Investigation of Anatomical Structure of Graft Union for T and Inverted T Buddings and Whip Grafting in Chestnut

Abstract

This research was aimed to determine the anatomical structure of graft union in some graft combinations of chestnut. The study was carried out in Samsun in 1997- 1999. In the study, three grafting methods (T and inverted T budding and whip grafting), two scion genotypes (SA 5-1 and SE 21-9), four grafting periods (in spring) and two different rootstocks (those of rootstock obtained from Duzce and seedlings of genotype no of 554-14) were used. Tissue samples were taken from graft unions two, six and twelve months after grafting and fixed in formalin/acetic acid/alcohol solution. It was observed from the anatomical structure of graft union area that new cambium, xylem and phloem tissues were formed in the samples taken two months after grafting. On the other hand it was also observed that at least twelve months were needed for continuous cambial merging. The fastest graft healing was determined in whip grafting, however, there was no variation with regard to graft healing speed in different periods of whip grafting. Some abnormalities were seen at graft union area and drying out of scion shoot when the rootstock of 554-14 was used. According to the observations, although rootstock genotype no of 554-14 was well compatible with scion genotype no of SE 21-9, the same rootstock did not well unite with the scion genotype no of SA 5-1 and it was suggested that there could be an incompatibility for this graft combination.