Field Grafting
Definition - What does Field Grafting mean?
Field grafting is the process by which a vintner plans a method of action to graft a selected variety of vine onto a rootstock. The process is performed in three stages: pre-grafting, grafting and post-grafting.
These three steps may take an entire season or longer. The steps include preparing a vine for graft, grafting the selected scion onto the rootstock and then following up after the graft is performed to observe its progress.
WineFrog explains Field Grafting
Field grafting includes the many steps which are taken to plan the grafting of a grapevine.
A rootstock is first grown to maturity and then a grape variety is selected to be grafted on to the main rootstock.
Pre-Grafting
The first step in the field grafting process is pre-grafting, the stage when the vine is prepared for the graft. The site of the graft is first determined on the vine and then the canopy is removed. Grafts are performed as the vines revive from dormancy, so the sap will run and "bleed" when the vine is cut.
Grafting
Grafting is the second step when the graft is actually made. Graft cuts are selected where the scions will bond with the trunk of the vine.
Follow Up
As the graft is very delicate, the third step of post-grafting is important. Regular check-ups must be performed to observe that there is no excess pressure of sap build-up which can push a scion out of its graft. In order to relieve any pressure, more incisions above older incisions can be done to allow the vine to "bleed" sap to relieve pressure. The delicate scion must also be properly supported by gently tying it to the trellis.
