Not sure if I should remove growth below the graft from a Loquat
tree.
Q. I have a loquat tree that is a few years old. I let
it grow without any pruning so far. I did notice one of the branches
growing from beneath what appears to be a graft union. Normally I remove
any growth from below the graft as I do on my other fruit trees. That
particular branch has new growth just starting. I was hoping this branch
would give me the balance I needed since it was growing outward where there is
an open space. Not sure if I should cut growth below the graft from a Loquat
tree.
 |
| Sucker coming from rootstock on loquat. You can see the bud union above it. |
A. From the picture you sent to me I can see this sucker is
coming from the rootstock. Loquat is normally grafted on to a rootstock that is
either not a loquat or the rootstock plant is inferior in fruit quality to the one you purchased.
coming from the rootstock. Loquat is normally grafted on to a rootstock that is
either not a loquat or the rootstock plant is inferior in fruit quality to the one you purchased.
 |
| Very healthy young loquat |
This sucker
must be removed. Even if you could keep it, how it is attached to the trunk is
weak and will split from the tree when the limb gets heavier from fruit or
size.
must be removed. Even if you could keep it, how it is attached to the trunk is
weak and will split from the tree when the limb gets heavier from fruit or
size.
 |
| Fruit of loquat |
Loquats do
nicely here and have some great fruit. Try to keep it out of late afternoon sun
and don’t prune it too much so that the canopy is open. It will sunburn and you
will have borers in the tree.
nicely here and have some great fruit. Try to keep it out of late afternoon sun
and don’t prune it too much so that the canopy is open. It will sunburn and you
will have borers in the tree.