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Knowledge center Crop rotation Clips How do I choose the right grafting clip?How do I choose the right grafting clip?
Written by: Martin Meuldijk | Latest update: 28-03-2022
A wide variety of crops are grafted using grafting clips, including pepper, tomato, egg plant, cucumber, zucchini and (water)melon. The clips are specifically designed for vegetable cultivation, in particular for tomatoes, they are also known as tomato grafting clips. As each seedling requires different growth conditions, choosing the correct clip is crucial. Our specialist explains the different types of grafting clips in this article and helps you choose the right grafting clip for your growing conditions.
Advantages of grafting clips
Grafting your crop enable better plant resistance and higher quality production. Your crop will be better resistent agains plant diseases. Futhermore, the root system will be beter developed. As a result, the plant can easily absorb water and nutrients such as fertilizers. Choose the clip that fits your needs.
Grafting clips for tomato, sweet pepper and egg plantTomato plants are quite subsceptible for plant diseases. Therefore, tomato plants have been grafted for a long time. Based on your crop circumstances you can choose between two types of clips. It depends on the growth conditions whether you choose a hard or soft silicone grafting clip. Due to the cultivation of fairly tough plants in Mediterranean countries, rigid clips are preferred over more flexible, softer clips. When it comes to moderate climates, flexible and soft grafting clips are preferred.
Rigid grafting clips
Models PT2, PT3, PT4 and PT5 are fabricated from sturdy plastic. Each model has different characteristics:
- PT2: this is a rigid clip with a round opening. Available in sizes 1.2-3.5 mm.
- PT3: this is a softer clip with an oval opening*. Available in sizes 1.2 -3.5 mm.
- PT4: this is a rigid clip with support and an oval opening. Available in sizes 1.5 – 2.7 mm.
- PT5: this is a rigid clip with an oval opening*. Available in sizes 2.0 - 3.0 mm.
* An oval opening offers more flexibility with difference in diameter between lower and upper stem.Soft grafting clips
Models PT7, PT8 and PT9 are fabricated from softer/flexible material and are a good substitute for silicone grafting clips. Each model has different characteristics:
PT7: this is a soft, flexible clip. Available in sizes 1.2-2.5 mm.
PT8: this is a soft, flexible clip with stick support. Available in sizes 1.3 – 2.5 mm.
PT9: this is a soft, flexible clip with ridges on the ends. This provides extra grip and makes working with it easier. Available in sizes 1.0 – 2.5 mm.
Grafting clips for cucurbits
There are two grafting methods for grafting cucurbits: the approximation clip or the top grafting clip (also known as the Japanese grafting method). There are grafting clips available for both methods.
Approximation grafting clip
The PS2 or PS3 grafting clip can be used when an approximation clip is needed.- PS2: this clip is available in the 10mm size.
- PS3: This is by far the most sold clip for the approximation graft. This clip is available in sizes S, M and L.
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| Grafting clip PS3 | Grafting clip PS3 |
Top graft or Japanese grafting method
For the heading graft or Japanese method one can utilize the PS1 or PS7 clip. These clips have sufficient strength to keep the grafted plants approximated well without a support stick, which offers saving labour and materials.
- PS1: this clip is appropriate for various stem thicknesses. Available in size 7 mm.
- PS7: this clip is appropriate for smaller stem thicknesses. It is by far the most used grafting clip for tip grafting of cucurbits. Available in size 6 mm.
Stenting roses
For stenting roses, a propagation technique where grafting and cuttings are combined, you can use stent clips. The stent clips replace the general grafting clips. In addition, these clips do not need be removed from the young plant. The stent clips are available in sizes XS, S and M.
Video | How to apply grafting clips?
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Watch the video to see how grafting clips are applied to the seedlings of your crop. Do you want to know which grafting clip to use? Ask one of our specialist for more advice.
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