Bridge grafting for commercial tree fruit workshop
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EmailA hands-on workshop on bridge grafting tree fruit is being offered April 22.
Heavy and prolonged snow cover this recent winter has led to very high levels of rodent damage to orchards. Michigan State University Extension is holding a hands-on bridge grafting workshop on April 22, 2014 from 1-2:30 p.m. at Goodfellow Orchards, 2267 12 Mile Rd., Sparta, MI 49345. (Please use the driveway just west of Laubach Road and we will meet at some damaged trees near 12 Mile Road.) So sharpen your grafting knife and join us to learn the basics of this art. MSU horticulturist Ron Perry wrote a recent article about bridge grafting and it would be good to read this prior to attending this workshop.
There is no need to pre-register. The workshop will be held rain or shine. The annual Spring Spray Meeting will be held at this same location, same day, beginning at 4 p.m.
Agenda
1 p.m. - Welcome and introductions
Description of damage and severity, horticultural considerations, TAP program update – Amy Irish-Brown, Phil Schwallier, other district MSU Extension educators
1: 20 p.m. - Horticultural considerations when bridge grafting
Collecting and storing wood, when does bark slip, when can grafting start and stop, damage below soil line, exposing roots - Ron Perry, MSU Department of Horticulture
1:40 p.m. - Demonstration of bridge grafting, Robbi VanTimmeren
2 p.m. - Hands-on personal trial at grafting
2:30 p.m. - Adjourn
