Citrus Growers Forum

dauben · Posted: Sat 01 Dec, 2007 3:05 pm

I finally had a successful T-bud graft take hold on my Avocado tree that died back to the rootstock in the January California freeze. I had tried it several other times, but the temperatures always seemed to work against me and the grafts were always zapped by 100 degree heat shortly after budding or zapped by freezing weather.

I also now sympathize with growers more because it seems like I had a very limited time where the bark was slipping and temperatures were adequate for the graft to take hold. Maybe this was just an odd year, but thanks to the folks with the know-how for posting tricks for the folks without the know-how.

Anyway, my Reed Avocado tree has now become a Hass and Fuerte Avocado tree. I would like to get a Reed on there also, but 'not sure where I can find budwood.

Phillip

Ramon-Tj · Posted: Sat 01 Dec, 2007 6:52 pm

Congratulations Phillip, when do you find is best to T-Bud and Avocado, I have a Hass that I would like to try and graft next year, If I can find some bud wood.

Ramon

dauben · Posted: Sat 01 Dec, 2007 8:12 pm

Ramon-Tj wrote:

Congratulations Phillip, when do you find is best to T-Bud and Avocado, I have a Hass that I would like to try and graft next year, If I can find some bud wood.

Ramon

This one I did around October, but I think it all depends on the temps. I tried to keep an eye on the long range forecast and make sure they have temps in the 70-80 degree range. I think you can still do it above 80 degrees, but with my luck when the weather says 80s, it turns out to be 100. Sad

Anyway, I don't have any Hass budwood left, but check back in a year and I'll see if my new grafts have taken off. Your welcome to any cuttings.

Phillip

Ramon-Tj · Posted: Sat 01 Dec, 2007 9:05 pm

thanks, since Hass is Type A I would be looking to graft it with a Type B, Bacon or Fuerte or any other Type B that might be productive in this area.

JoeReal · Posted: Sat 01 Dec, 2007 10:09 pm

Phillip, the Fall Season is the best time to graft avocadoes. I can't explain it yet, but that's the way it actually works based on experience.

Congratulations!

Joe

JoeReal · Posted: Sat 01 Dec, 2007 10:11 pm

BTW, I loaned my potted avocado to a friend to pollenize her avocado tree, the drip emitter fell off and they went on vacation. That's the last of my 7-n-1 potted avocado tree. I told her not to worry, as I'd gladly reassemble one again and enjoy the process.

dauben · Posted: Sun 02 Dec, 2007 2:06 am

JoeReal wrote:

BTW, I loaned my potted avocado to a friend to pollenize her avocado tree, the drip emitter fell off and they went on vacation. That's the last of my 7-n-1 potted avocado tree. I told her not to worry, as I'd gladly reassemble one again and enjoy the process.

That happened to my fig tree this year also. I couldn't figure out why all of the leaves were dying because I knew the irrigation system was coming on. Low and behold, the drip tubing fell off the emitter and the fig tree temporarily died off. Fortunately it is just now coming back, but no figs this year.

Phillip

dauben · Posted: Sun 02 Dec, 2007 2:15 am

Ramon-Tj wrote:

thanks, since Hass is Type A I would be looking to graft it with a Type B, Bacon or Fuerte or any other Type B that might be productive in this area.

That was my thought when I got the Reed. I wanted it to be a girlfriend for my Fuerte until it died in the freeze. I had Hass budwood available so I thought I would bud it onto the rootstock of the former Reed tree. More recently I took a cutting from my Fuerte and also grafted it onto the former Reed rootstock. Someday I hope to move to a house with a larger yard so I'm hoping to bring this tree with me since it's currently in a container. I'll then have both Type A and B pollenators.

On the down side, my Fuerte tree just lost a large branch during the recent rain storms. I think new wood had come off of the bad wood damaged in the freeze. Where it broke, it didn't seem to have a lot of strength. I probably should have cut the avocado tree back further last January and let the new growth start from wood that wasn't damaged by the freeze.

Phillip

Ramon-Tj · Posted: Sun 02 Dec, 2007 2:10 pm

this is my second hass tree, and my intention is to graft A and B on the same tree, My first tree died but I think it had more to do with the Clay ground part of the lot, This second one is in ground too in what I believe a better ground, freeze damage I dont remember since I was a kid ever heaving damage in the garden we have had this property for 50 yrs we will see what this winter brings, maybe I can hit you up for some fuerte budwood next year I think this year I am too late. If the tree makes it thru the winter, if not I will get another one. I will have and avocado that fruits!!! some day

Ramon

dauben · Posted: Sun 02 Dec, 2007 2:40 pm

Ramon-Tj wrote:

maybe I can hit you up for some fuerte budwood next year I think this year I am too late.

I always have plenty of the Fuerte unless we get a frost like last year. Let me know when you're ready to bud. I can either mail it to you or you're welcome to stop by when you're in Santee.

Phillip

Skeeter · Posted: Wed 05 Dec, 2007 12:08 am

I did several avocado grafts today with budwood from Dr Manners. I have two young trees--one inground and one in a pot. I did one bark graft, 3 T-buds and 3 whip grafts. I hope I get at least 1 each of the two varieties.

If cool weather helps with avocado grafting, I hope it doesn't need to last too long-- we have a couple nights in the upper 30s to low 40s then back to mid 70s daytime and 60s for lows.

_________________
Skeet

Ramon-Tj · Posted: Wed 05 Dec, 2007 1:52 am

good luck with you're grafts skeeter, my tree is about 4 ft with only the main stalk and two branches pencil thick just about(the branches). I would only dare do a few T-Buds don't want to kill it just yet, I just put it in ground this year
Ramon