Branches of the orange, tangerine or other citrus plant to be cloned are selected and a bud is removed with a sharp blade.

March 14, 2001

The bark of a rootstock stem is cut longitudinally at 4 to 6 inches above ground and then transversally at the base of the first cut, forming an inverted "T", in preparation for the reception of the bud to be cloned.

March 14, 2001

The bud is inserted from the bottom up in the prepared inverted "T" cut on the rootstock stem.

March 14, 2001

The bud is then protected or wrapped with a plastic strip. This prevents bud dehydration and allows for adequate proliferation of callus tissue growing from both the rootstock and the scion bud, which will eventually intermingle creating a perfect union forming the trunk of a new tree, composed of lower trunk and root system of Rangpur lime (or other suitable rootstock), and upper trunk and canopy of a commercial orange, tangerine or other citrus variety.