Grafting technology differs significantly from traditional methods in several key aspects. First, the grafting technique now eliminates the use of petioles, allowing for a tighter and more airtight union, which greatly improves the survival rate. Second, instead of using leaf buds, winter buds are selected for grafting. These winter buds are stronger, leading to more vigorous growth and earlier maturity of the branches. Third, the method now uses two different thicknesses of plastic ties: thicker ones for the rootstock to ensure a tight wrap, and thinner ones for the scion to fully cover all parts, preventing water loss and promoting better survival. As a result, the grafted seedlings grow thick, strong, and highly lignified, with some even showing visible growth within the same year.
The specific approach involves careful selection of both the rootstock and scion. The rootstock should be two-year-old or one-year-old "Jiufeng" grape seedlings with well-developed roots, healthy growth, and no signs of disease or damage. These seedlings are planted with proper spacing (50–60 cm between rows and 30–40 cm between plants), and farmyard or slag cake fertilizer is applied before planting. After planting, irrigation is done immediately, followed by pruning to leave only two full buds at the base. In colder regions, plastic greenhouses are used to protect the seedlings during the early stages. Once they germinate, only the strongest shoot is kept, while weaker shoots and axillary buds are removed. When the plant has 7–8 leaves, the tip is pinched to encourage thick and sturdy growth.
For the scion, choose strong, healthy branches from a sunny and well-ventilated area, free from disease. The fruit strings on these branches should be removed 20–30 days before grafting to promote better growth. During grafting, it's important to water the nursery 2–3 days in advance and perform the grafting in the morning after 9 AM or in the late afternoon after 6 PM, avoiding rainy or dewy conditions. The rootstock and scion should be of similar thickness and semi-lignified. Scions should be cut as close to the source as possible, with leaves removed immediately and wrapped in a damp cloth to prevent drying. If transported over long distances, they can be stored in a wide-mouth thermos with ice to maintain moisture.
When preparing the rootstock, leave 3–4 leaves and cut 10–12 cm above the ground, making a flat cut. The diameter should be at least 1 cm, and a vertical incision of 3 cm is made to insert the scion. The cut surface should face north-south to allow the scion bud to receive sunlight for optimal growth. For the scion, select a branch with a diameter of 0.8–1 cm, semi-lignified, and cut just below the tip. Remove any secondary shoots near the winter bud, along with the petiole, leaving only one bud per scion. Make 2.5–3 cm cuts on either side of the bud to create a wedge shape.
During grafting, the scion is inserted into the rootstock’s incision without submerging it. No hormones or adhesives are used, and the scion’s sides are aligned with the rootstock’s. A small portion of the rootstock is exposed to aid healing. A 0.08 mm thick, 1–1.2 cm wide, 20–25 cm long plastic tie is used to tightly wrap the rootstock from bottom to top. Another thin plastic tie (0.03 mm thick, 1.5 cm wide) is then used to secure the scion, ensuring only the buds are visible and no air leaks.
After grafting, water the plants immediately, and keep the soil moist. Apply balanced NPK fertilizer and remove weeds regularly. Within 7–10 days, new shoots will appear. When the third leaf develops, remove the flower spikes. Strong seedlings may produce a second spike, which must also be removed promptly. When the seedlings reach 20–25 cm in height, tie them to prevent wind damage. Regularly remove axillary buds from the rootstock. When the seedling has 7–8 leaves, pinch the tip to encourage branching. Continue this process until the plant reaches the desired height. Monitor for pests and diseases, and apply foliar fertilizer every 20 days. Avoid removing the plastic bandage too soon; it should remain in place until autumn or the following spring.
They are lactic acid bacteria (LAB) that are widely described as probiotics and characterized as coccus-shaped bacteria (arranged in tetrads), Gram-positive, non-motile, non-spore forming, catalase-negative, and facultative anaerobes.
Pediococcus acidolactici
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