Macro- and Microscopic Studies of Grafted Trees with Special Regard to their Risk of Breakage

作者：Irrgang Stefan^*; Zander Matthias; Franke Eckehard; Ulrichs Christian

来源：Gesunde Pflanzen, 2010, 62(1): 35-40.

DOI：10.1007/s10343-010-0217-7

• Grafting
• Stem breakage
• Street trees
• Wood anatomy

Aim of the study was to identify changes within xylem structure of grafted trees which could possibly lead to a higher risk of breakage. Therefore, 83 trees from the genera Prunus, Sorbus, Carpinus, Quercus, Robinia and Crateagus were examined at the macro- and microscopic level. All wood samples showed changes in their xylem structure in the areas at or around the contact zone of stock and scion. Cells were deviated in different angles from the stem axis in the tangential direction. Furthermore, whirled grain areas were found adjacent to the contact zone. Abnormal xylem structures could be found in various quantum's. Despite the observed changes in the xylem structure, the risk of breakage is not significantly increased. An e-mail based survey among 496 administrations of rural districts in Germany and bigger towns all over Germany including 64 botanical gardens and arboretum, revealed only nine cases of stem breakage at the contact zone of grafted trees. These breaks were found in the genera Tilia, Fagus and Robinia. Further studies are recommended to gain more knowledge about how xylem structure develops during the lifespan of a tree under stress conditions, especially in urban environments.

• 出版日期2010-3