Section 1.1: Overview
Grafting is the process of joining two separate plants together to combine the benefits of the root system (or rootsock) of one plant with the fruiting segment (or scion) of another into a single plant. The rootstock is the lower section while the scion is grafted above it.
Grapevine grafting can be performed in a nursery on new vines for subsequent planting or in a vineyard on established vines (known as field grafting). Most vineyards are well suited to field grafting with the only limiting factor being viruses or trunk diseases.
Field grafting allows a grower to keep pace with changing consumer trends for wine varieties and table grapes without the long lead times of replanting.
Myth – busting
Field-grafted vines ‘fall over’ or die after a few seasons
False. I have not seen this happen and there is no reason for this to occur through grafting. Vines I have grafted over 15 years ago are still healthy and productive with no signs of decline. Other factors, such as viruses, trunk diseases or mismanagement, are likely to be the reasons for a failed graft.