ABSTRACT
Grafting is based entirely on natural processes. The task of the grafter is to make cuts and placement of rootstock and scion accurately enough to guarantee good cambial alignment, thus providing the best chance of success. A pattern of natural graft development is emerging. These grafts are formed from genetically similar partners that are compatible, growing in close proximity, held fast together under pressure and exposed to mutual damage at the point of contact. Natural grafting of roots is very common because they are often in close contact, and soil structure frequently dictates that pressure is applied as incremental growth squeezes the partners together. The most significant difference between natural and man-made grafts is in the components. Natural grafts are inevitably of the ‘approach’ type, as the components are still attached to their parent roots, whereas man-made grafts predominantly use detached scions.
