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Journals / Black Sea Journal of Agriculture / 2026 / Cilt: 9 Sayı: 1

Drill Grafting Application in Pistachio

Abdulhamit Kireç(Tarım ve Orman Bakanlığı Siirt İl Müdürlüğü)0000-0002-8524-6688
Mine Pakyürek(Siirt Üniversitesi)0000-0002-3753-2532
Pages
27–35
Publication Date
2025-12-18
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AI Summary & Key Takeaways

AI Insight
⚡ TL;DR(Too Long; Didn't Read)

These results suggest that gum secretion remains a major barrier to successful graft union in mature pistachio trees.

📌 3 Key Takeaways

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Objective & Hypothesis:This study was conducted in Gökçebağ town, Siirt province, in a pistachio orchard comprising 40–45-year-old Siirt variety trees grafted onto Menengiç rootstock.
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Key Findings & Data:In both applications, scions of the Siirt variety bearing two shoot buds were inserted into three trees using a drill bit with a diameter of 1-1.2 cm.
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Conclusion & Impact:These results suggest that gum secretion remains a major barrier to successful graft union in mature pistachio trees.
🔬Design:Araştırma Makalesi
📍Scope:2022 Verileri
⚙️Variables:Pistachio · Grafting · Rootstock

Abstract

This study was conducted in Gökçebağ town, Siirt province, in a pistachio orchard comprising 40–45-year-old Siirt variety trees grafted onto Menengiç rootstock. To rejuvenate the aged trees, the drill grafting method was employed during two periods: early spring and flowering. In both applications, scions of the Siirt variety bearing two shoot buds were inserted into three trees using a drill bit with a diameter of 1-1.2 cm. Preliminary observations on May 1, 2022, indicated bud sprouting in both periods. In early spring grafting, 5 of 9 scions (55.5%) and 9 of 18 buds (50%) showed emergence, while in flowering-period grafting, only 3 of 9 scions (33.3%) and 3 of 18 buds (16.6%) sprouted. However, by June 6, 2022, all grafts had failed, showing complete desiccation and extensive gum secretion at the graft sites. The failure was attributed to excessive gum production, intensified by the use of large-diameter drill bits, wide grafting wounds, and the presence of corky bark tissues. These factors likely prevented effective cambial contact between scion and rootstock. To improve outcomes, a second trial was initiated on March 6, 2024, using younger branches and smaller drill bits (0.6-0.8 cm), applied only during early spring. By April 17, 2024, 4 of 9 scions (44.4%) and 8 of 18 buds (44.4%) had sprouted. However, final checks on May 17, 2024, revealed partial bud desiccation. These results suggest that gum secretion remains a major barrier to successful graft union in mature pistachio trees. Consequently, drill grafting is not a reliable method for rejuvenating old pistachio trees under these conditions, as it fails to ensure sustained cambial connectivity.

Özet

This study was conducted in Gökçebağ town, Siirt province, in a pistachio orchard comprising 40–45-year-old Siirt variety trees grafted onto Menengiç rootstock. To rejuvenate the aged trees, the drill grafting method was employed during two periods: early spring and flowering. In both applications, scions of the Siirt variety bearing two shoot buds were inserted into three trees using a drill bit with a diameter of 1-1.2 cm. Preliminary observations on May 1, 2022, indicated bud sprouting in both periods. In early spring grafting, 5 of 9 scions (55.5%) and 9 of 18 buds (50%) showed emergence, while in flowering-period grafting, only 3 of 9 scions (33.3%) and 3 of 18 buds (16.6%) sprouted. However, by June 6, 2022, all grafts had failed, showing complete desiccation and extensive gum secretion at the graft sites. The failure was attributed to excessive gum production, intensified by the use of large-diameter drill bits, wide grafting wounds, and the presence of corky bark tissues. These factors likely prevented effective cambial contact between scion and rootstock. To improve outcomes, a second trial was initiated on March 6, 2024, using younger branches and smaller drill bits (0.6-0.8 cm), applied only during early spring. By April 17, 2024, 4 of 9 scions (44.4%) and 8 of 18 buds (44.4%) had sprouted. However, final checks on May 17, 2024, revealed partial bud desiccation. These results suggest that gum secretion remains a major barrier to successful graft union in mature pistachio trees. Consequently, drill grafting is not a reliable method for rejuvenating old pistachio trees under these conditions, as it fails to ensure sustained cambial connectivity.

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Cite This Article

Kireç, A., Pakyürek, M. (2025). Drill Grafting Application in Pistachio. Black Sea Journal of Agriculture, Cilt: 9 Sayı: 1, 27–35. https://doi.org/10.47115/bsagriculture.1810539

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