Inarching, also known as bridge grafting, is a horticultural technique used to join two plants together by grafting a shoot or twig from one plant onto another plant. This technique is commonly used in the cultivation of sapota, also known as chikoo or sapodilla, a tropical fruit tree native to Mexico and Central America.
Sapota trees are generally propagated by planting seeds, but inarching can be used to propagate desirable varieties or to repair damaged plants. Inarching is a useful technique because it allows the grower to transfer a specific characteristic or trait from one plant to another, such as a particular fruit shape or taste. It is also a quick way to repair damaged or diseased plants, as the grafted shoot can take root and grow into a healthy tree.
To inarch a sapota tree, the grower must first select a suitable shoot or twig from the donor plant. This shoot should be healthy and about the same size as the branch or trunk of the recipient plant. The donor plant should also be compatible with the recipient plant, meaning that they are from the same species or cultivar.
Next, the grower must make a horizontal cut on the recipient plant, about half an inch above the ground or where the new shoot will be grafted. The donor shoot is then cut diagonally at the base and inserted into the cut on the recipient plant. The cut surfaces of the donor shoot and the recipient plant should be in close contact, as this will encourage them to grow together and form a strong union.
After the donor shoot is inserted, it should be securely tied to the recipient plant using a grafting tape or rubber band. The grafted area should then be covered with a plastic bag or wrapping to protect it from the elements and to create a humid environment that will help the plants grow together.
The grafted sapota plants should be carefully tended to during the early stages of growth. This may include watering and fertilizing regularly, as well as protecting the plants from pests and diseases. After a few weeks, the grafted plants should begin to grow together and form a strong union. It may take several months or even years for the grafted shoot to fully mature and produce fruit.
Inarching is a useful technique for propagating and repairing sapota trees, but it requires patience and careful attention to detail. With proper care and attention, however, inarching can be a successful method for cultivating healthy and productive sapota trees.
