I have (apparently) successfully grafted several Biscamp, Perdue, and Southern Bartlett onto both P. calleryana (Bradford Pear - walmart $10) and P. betulafolia (Burnt Ridge $2.50) rootstock.
Both rootstock have good fireblight resistant, but since the grafts are so low to the ground, and since fireblight infections, I've read, arise in the fresh growing tips, I'm not sure that's really relevant.
The Bradfords are going to get a jump start, since they came as 7ft tall trees with one inch trunks, and the betulafolia were 1yr seedlings. On the Bradfords, I cut the old scion (Cleveland Select) off entirely, and grafted to what is, I presume, a generic Bradford seedling that had been previously used as rootstock.
I am in South LA, with heavy clay soil, and will be planting up against a new wall with a 2ft deep/wide foundation, so likely somewhat alkaline. Texas A&M recommends betufolia for heavier, less acidic soil, but the Bradfords grow around here pretty vigorously. I have one in my yard that is nearly as big around as a fifty gallon drum! (I'll be grafting onto it for fun next year)
I intend to espalier them along an 8ft wall with 12-13ft wide runs between pillars, so one tree will be planted in the middle of each run/span. I hope for a formal pattern with 5-6 pairs of horizontal cordons on each side, about 6 feet long each. Many of the cordons will be grafted scions from yet other good Southern varieties.
I have lived long enough now to take the long view, and earlier fruiting is only a secondary concern. I really wonder about 5-10yrs from now, working to keep the trees confined to the space allotted.
I've also read conflicting reports on whether betufolia is best reserved for Asian (vs. European, what I have) pears
Does anyone have any thoughts on which rootstock should go in the ground?
Thanks
|
