Evaluation of Different Propagation Methods (Budding, Grafting and Cuttings) for Pecan
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Date
2015-11-09
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Abstract
Pecan [Carya illinoinensis (Wangenh.) K. Koch] is an economically important nut tree native to Texas which is cultivated throughout much of the southern United States. Pecan trees are slow growing with a long period of juvenility, therefore asexual propagation through vegetative means is used to speed up the process as well as aiding in maintaining desirable characteristics through cloning. Current propagation methods for pecan typically require seedlings be at least two or three years old before they can be budded or grafted. One additional year or two may be required if budding or grafting is performed and unsuccessful.
Studies on the propagation methods of T-budding, cuttings and a new method, the V-graft, were conducted on pecan seedlings. These methods are used on one- or two-year-old seedlings. T-budding and V-graft methods were performed testing different wrapping materials and foil coverings. Softwood pecan cuttings were collected and subjected to a common method for cutting propagation and the Ellepot system, as well as two different hormone concentrations. To support the findings of the budding and grafting studies, a callus study was also conducted in which pecan rootstocks were wounded, covered with the different wrapping treatments used in the T-budding and V-grafting studies, and placed in a controlled environment ideal for callus formation.
The results supported that neither softwood cuttings nor T-budding are appropriate for propagation of pecan seedlings. V-grafting is a newly introduced method for pecan, and had some success. Since this is a newer method not yet reported to have high success, it is recommended that more grafts be conducted to observe what the outcome could be on a commercial level.
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Pecan, Propagation, Grafting, Callus