Topworking is a grafting technique used to repair or change the variety of fruit trees without removing and replacing the entire tree. The top of the tree is cut back to several major limbs and the stubs are then grafted or budded with the desired variety. Bark grafting is commonly used for topworking larger rootstocks, where several small scion pieces are inserted into slanted cuts in the bark. Bridge grafting is used to repair damaged bark areas, with scion wood attached across the injured part to reconnect the sections. Inarching is a similar repair method where healthy rootstock cuttings are planted next to the trunk and grafted on above the damaged area.

1. TOPWORKING
in fruit trees
Andrew L Myrthong
2014-12-126
Department of Pomology
and Floriculture
1
Welcome

2. Topworking
 Employed to repair or change varieties
 Without removing and replacing the tree
 The top is cut back to several major limbs
 Whitewashed to prevent sunscald
 Stubs may be grafted or budded
 Depends on the species and size of the stubs
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Fig: diagrammatic representation of topworking

4. The Scion –
 part of the new combination
 inserted into the other plant
 produce the top of the plant
 branches, leaves and, ultimately, fruit
The Stock or Rootstock –
 plant into which the scion is inserted
 produces the root system and usually the lower trunk
 grown from seed, rooted cuttings, suckers or layers
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Fig: Tools required for grafting

6. Bark Grafting
 Used for topworking larger stocks
 Scions are smaller in size
 Several scions inserted in a stock
 Done in slipping stage shortly before bloom time
 Avocado, citrus, carambola, fig, macadamia,
pecan, hickory, apple, butternut etc.
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Loosen the bark at top of the cut
Long, smooth, slanting cut (approx. 1.5
inches) at the base of the scion
Insert the scion wood
Similar vertical cut given through the
Bark on the rootstock
Waxed and wrapped

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Inserting the scion
Slant cut on the scion
Waxing and sealing
Vertical cut on the bark

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Fig: pictorial representation of bark grafting

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Spring 2005 Spring 2006
Spring 2012
Fig: bark
grafted
pear
Spring 2008

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Fig: bark grafts of a Melrose apple
 Improper grafting forms a hole in the centre which may not
completely fill in and acts as a source of rot due to
accumulation of water

12. Repair grafting
 Bridge Grafting
 Inarching
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13. Bridge grafting
 Repair damaged bark
areas at the base of a
tree
 Rodents, cold or
implements
 Done in bark slipping
stage just before active
growth
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Fig: successfully bridge grafted apple

14. Dormant 1 year old scion
Slanting cut at both ends
Make a flap cut on the rootstock above
and below the injured area
Attach the scions at 3 inches apart across
the bark
Make a bow between the scion and
rootstock and seal with a protective wax
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Fig: schematic representation of bridge grafting

16. Inarching
 Repair technique
 Use in place of bridge grafting
 Slight modification of bark grafting for
attachment of scion (inverted incision)
 Used to replace part or all of the
rootsystem of an established tree
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Healthy seedlings or rooted cuttings are planted next to the injured
area of the trunk
Bark grafted onto the trunk above the injured area
Cover the graft with a protective material

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Fig: schematic representation of Inarching

19. Precautions during inarching
 Remove the shoot developing on the
inarches
 Use the same rootstock as the original for
inarching
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20.  Small section of bark removed(1-
2cm wide and 5-6 cm length)
 deep enough to expose inner
tissue
 Allows close contact between
tissue of the rootstock and the
scion
 Bound firmly with a grafting tape
and waxed
 Prevents entry of water
 Increase temperature and
humidity
 Healing process is usually longer
Approach grafting
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23. Reference
 Kumar, M. N. G. 2011. Propagation of plants
by grafting and budding. Pacific Northwest
Extension Publications.
 Crocker, T. E. 1994. Propagation of fruit crops.
Florida Cooperative Extension Service,
Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences,
University of Florida.
 Oberly, G. H. 1974. Top working and bridge
grafting fruit trees. Cornell Cooperative
Extension Publication.
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