Effect of chemicals and grafting time in the benchgrafting of grapevines : A dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Diploma of Horticultural Science in the University of Canterbury

Abstract

The objectives of this research were: to provide data on success rates of grafting at different times, and to compare Chinosol with other fungicides. Pinot Noir and 504 cuttings taken an June 20 were soaked 15 hours in chemical solution before cold storage at 1°c, until grafting. In a two-part experiment, Chinosol treated cuttings were grafted on July 9, September 2 and October 2, and 8 chemical treatments grafted on October 2. There were 20 replicates per treatment. Success of grafts were measured by callus rank, shoot growth and fungal control.

Seventy percent of July grafted cuttings grew shoots. No shoots grew in September and October grafts and mean callus ranks were lower despite longer time for callusing. No fungi grew in 0.5% Chinosol and 0.25% Chinosol/ 0.75 g/1 Captan treated cuttings. Grafts callused but buds did not shoot. Fungi grew on the 6 other chemical treatments and there was no callus.

No conclusion can be made as to whether the time of grafting affected success rate. 0.25% concentrations of Chinosol, with Captan, have the same disinfecting ability as 0.5% Chinosol solutions. The importance of Captan used in conjunction with lower strength Chinosol is unknown.