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Outdoor Problems of the Householder: Budding

Budding. This is one of the most economical forms of artificial reproduction, and each year witnesses its more general use. Some nurserymen go so far as to use it as a substitute for all modes of grafting save whip grafting in the propagation of the dwarf pear. Budding is economical in the amount of wood used from which to take buds. A single bud does the work of the three or more upon the scion used in grafting. But while economical of wood, it is expensive in the use of stocks. A seedling is required for each tree, while, with the piece-root system of grafting, two, three, or more stocks can be made from a single seedling.

The operation of budding is simple, and can be done with great speed by expert budders. The expense of the operation is, therefore, not more than that of whip grafting, although the work has usually to be done in OUTDOOR PROBLEMS OF THE HOUSEHOLDER 263 July, August, or early September.

The usual plan is for a man to set the buds and a boy to follow closely and do the tying.

The bud should be taken from wood of the present season's growth.

Since the work of budding is done during the season of active growth, the bud sticks are prepared so that the petiole or stem of each leaf is left attached to serve as a handle to aid in pushing the bud home when inserting it beneath the bark of the stock. This is what is usually called a shield bud. It is cut so that a small portion of the woody tissue of the branch is removed with the bud.

A bud stick and the operation of cutting the bud are illustrated. To Bud a Plant. - Make a cut for the reception of the bud in the shape of a letter T, as shown in the illustration. Usually the cross-cut is not quite at right angles with the body of the tree, and the stem to the T starts at the cross-cut and extends toward the root for an inch or more.