IPPS shares the secrets of grafting success
The secrets of success in grafting were passed on to a dozen nursery stock growers at the first IPPS training workshop of the year held at tree nursery Frank P Matthews, Worcestershire.
Workshop leaders Chris Jones, the nurserys container area manager, and Ashley Botwood, its grafting team leader, outlined basic grafting principles and different techniques, tools and equipment for the job, as well as providing guidance on rootstock and scion wood selection.
Those attending were able to practise techniques including whip and tongue grafting onto salix cuttings and grafting apple scions onto M9 rootstocks.
One of the most common problems with grafting is correct use of the knives, and the workshop emphasised the correct way to handle and maintain them.
We had a fantastic hands-on day, said IPPS committee member and production director at Frank P Matthews, Andrew Wright. It is so important to maintain and share the practical skills our industry depends on, which is why the nursery is so keen to help by hosting this type of workshop.
The next IPPS grafting workshop, open to both members and non-members of IPPS will be held at Crowders Nursery in Lincolnshire on February 4 and
For more information about membership of IPPS and its programme of technical events visit www.ipps.org.uk or call the IPPS office on 01483 476251