The opening program of the “Fruit Tree Grafting Training” course, prepared in cooperation with Nigde Omer Halisdemir University, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technologies, Ayhan Sahenk Agricultural Application and Research Center, Animal Husbandry Research Club, Ministry of National Education of the Republic of Turkey, Nigde Public Education Center, Alma-Ata Technical Agriculture, IAAS and Agricultural Sciences Club, was held in our faculty conference hall on 25/03/2025.

The opening of the Fruit Tree Grafting Training started with the speech of the faculty dean Prof. Dr. Ahmet SEKEROGLU. In his speech, he stated that the faculty aims to contribute to the education of regional farmers by organizing such events together with the private sector. He emphasized that such events contribute to the sharing of experiences between the university, the private sector and farmers.

Alma-Ata Technical Agriculture General Manager Agricultural Engineer Atilla KAPLAN provided information about the content of the program. In his speech, KAPLAN emphasized that there are different techniques in grafting fruit trees. He also stated that it is important to consider the ability to adapt to the climate in addition to the variety change in grafting applications. He introduced the necessary equipment for grafting in fruit trees and mentioned that the fusion of the rootstock and the bark of the grafted scion or bud is important in grafting. He emphasized that it is important to first wrap the trunk tightly (stretch etc.) and then to close the grafted opening with a sealer in order to accelerate grafting, to prevent air from entering the grafting area and to keep it moist. In addition, he mentioned the importance of keeping the grafting buds at +2 to +4 °C and applied the grafting buds prepared in advance with different grafting techniques. He stated that although each grafting method has its own rules, it is basically based on the principle of fusion between the bark and the rootstock. Later, the application was started in the orchard with the trainees. Mr. Atilla KAPLAN stated that our country used to import grafting material, but now it can export it, that the private sector has come a long way in this regard, and that their own companies also contribute to this.