he ability of a
tree species to grow when grafted to another genetically related tree species
has been known for some time, long before more sophisticated laboratory
techniques of producing fruit trees that are resistant to diseases were
developed. However, the relatively simple technique of grafting, developed and
practiced by agriculturists, is not practiced widely by farmers. My impression
is that most small-scale farmers prefer to grow fruit trees by seeds, thus
following nature's usual way of propagating tree species.
Seeds are a very convenient way of broadcasting propagules of
a plant species because they carry the genetic potentials of that species in a
compact package disseminated in a number of ways that would ensure its long-term
survival. But when plants are domesticated for human use, the objective is to
harvest the plant production within the shortest time possible. The technique of
grafting part of one tree species to part of another provides a way to attain
this objective.
The grafting technique requires a rootstock belonging to one
species or plant variety selected for a particular characteristic (e.g.
resistance to disease) and a scion coming from another species or variety known
for its desirable nature (e.g. production of sweet fruits), thus combining
desirable traits in one individual tree. This way the farmer obtains maximum
benefits from this composite tree.
To illustrate, the citrus plant family is prone to the
attacks of a soil fungus that causes the exudation of gums from the tree
(gummosis). But there are wild citrus species that are resistant to this
disease. Using such species as source of the rootstock and grafting onto it a
scion known for prolific fruiting, a composite tree that is resistant to the
disease and very productive of fruits can be grown in a matter of months rather
than years. This is definitely a practical way of increasing fruit production
with the use of a simple technique and the wild native trees for purposes of
benefiting small-scale farmers.
For some time, I have been impressed by my friend and
neighbor, Mr. Ben Bokingo, of Silliman Park, Dumaguete City, who has been
producing thousands of grafted fruit trees of various kinds known for their
desirable qualities. He gave me permission to feature his achievements in this
column. Ben, a graduate of the University of the Philippines at Los Baños, takes
pride in being a student of the famous Leopoldo Uichanco, dean of the College of
Agriculture of the UP in the 1950s. His commitment to use his knowledge to help
ensure food supply for our people is most admirable. It is people like Ben
Bokingo, who work without fanfare and publicity to increase food production,
that matter most in Philippine society.
We learn lessons from Ben Bokingo. First, use knowledge and skills for
practical purposes to benefit human society. Second, respect and conserve
nature, which provides us the materials for our well-being.
