Creating a Multi-Berry Shrub via Cross Grafting

Authors

Alexa Laurent, University of Central Florida

Mentor

Rani Vajravelu

Abstract

Grafting is a process used to physically combine two different plants together. This process allows for a scion, the branch of one plant, to be added to the rootstock, the base of another plant. Combining plants allows for more varieties of fruit to be produced in less space for fruit bearing plants and creates more opportunities for hybridization with the plants utilized. Currently, research shows that grafting is possible when two plants of the same family are used. Using blackberry and raspberry plants, this study tests if the structural integrity of the rootstock can successfully support a scion from a plant of a heavier or lighter weight. This experiment also used common household tools to see if grafting could be affected by the quality of materials used. Overall, results showed that the rootstock, the grafting method, and the healing process were affected by the type of rootstock used, which in turn affected the success rate of the grafting procedure.

About the Author

Alexa Laurent is a recent graduate of the University of Central Florida in 2018. While at UCF she majored in Biology and minored in Computer Science. Alexa has great respect and admiration for scientific research, of the various fields in science, and a great love of botany. Her love of research and botany lead her to forming a research group to conduct this experiment and to present their research in UCF's Undergraduate Research Showcase in 2018.

Recommended Citation

Laurent, Alexa (2019) "Creating a Multi-Berry Shrub via Cross Grafting," The Pegasus Review: UCF Undergraduate Research Journal: Vol. 11: Iss. 2, Article 4.
Available at: https://stars.library.ucf.edu/urj/vol11/iss2/4