Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
Figure 3.27
A rose stem with a bud to be removed. Cut any thorns so you can get a good grip (a). Using a sharp knife,
slice through the cambium layer to the wood above and below the bud (b). Hold the stem firmly and slide the knife
carefully under the bud (c). The bud is removed (d).
Disbudding
Sometimes the removal of buds from a
stem or root system is required. This
technique is used to remove buds from
the stem of a standard plant or to eliminate
the possibility of suckers from a root system.
It aims to remove the meristem that will
give rise to another stem or sucker (see
Figures 3.27).
This wounding puts stress on the plant by
interrupting the flow of the cambium
throughout the plant. This stress will shock
the plant into a mad reproductive urge
resulting in flowers and then fruit. Wound
your plant about four to three weeks before
the plant breaks into bud for deciduous
plants, or four to three weeks before it is due
to flower for evergreens.
Spiralling
A single cut spiralling right down the trunk
can stimulate flowering in trees.
This is a technique for the brave, to be used
only on overly vigorous but unproductive
plants; that is, a plant refusing to flower/fruit.
Tool
A pruning saw.
Technique
Draw a saw down the trunk in a wide spiral
(see Figure 3.28).
Figure 3.28
This spiral wounding will slow vegetative
growth and promote flowering/fruit.
