Removal of Plastic tape from graft union of VNR Jackfruit Plant
Graft union/budding joints are a very critical part of VNR Jackfruit Plant. It’s important to keep this portion of the plant secured through grafting tape till the graft joint is hardened and gain strength.
Rootstock – The portion of a grafted plant that has root system onto which the scion is grafted.
Scion – A plant part that is grafted onto the rootstock.
Graft union – The joint between a scion and its supporting rootstock.
Graft Union Plastic Tape
Graft union is secured by wrapping the union with a plastic tape, this helps in keeping the union intact till it hardens up.
Why is it compulsory to remove plastic tape from graft joints of VNR Jackfruit Plant?
If plastic tape is not removed from graft union than it tends to rupture or cut across the tissues resulting in the formation of gall on its site (taped location). This leads to damage of xylem and phloem vessels of the plant resulting into blockage of transportation of minerals and nutrition resulting into retarded growth of plant.
When is the right time to remove plastic tape from graft joints of VNR Jackfruit Plant?
Plastic tape wrapped around graft joints is recommended to be removed after physical verification of graft union hardening. Normally it happens within 25 to 35 days after plantation.
How to confirm the hardening of Grafting Joint?
Steps of checking:
- Select any 8-10 plants randomly from your field.
- Remove the tapes of selected plants manually.
- Look at the grafting joint closely.
- If the colour of the joint has turned from green (immature) to brown (mature), then this indicates the hardening of grafting joint.
- If hardening is not done then the repositioning of the tape is needed. Wait for the maturity of graft union.
Note: Now-a-days, electric tape is being used in place of grafting tape.
Benefits: It can be pulled out easily. It wears off on its own after some time.
DO’S AND DON’TS IN REMOVAL OF TAPE –
| Do’s | |
| Always remove the plastic tape manually, by moving it anti-clockwise. Do not pull the tape with a jerk or jolt. A sudden pull may shock the plant and damage the graft union irrevocably. |  |
| Don’ts | |
| Never use a blade, cutter, knife and scissor to remove plastic tape as it may inflict an injury on the plant, any type of cut on union joint may lead to infection which may prove fatal. |  |
