SUCKERS

Suckers occur when the rootstock of a grafted plant starts to produce shoots from the area below the graft union. Suckers are allowed to grow unchecked, they will start to compete with the grafted plant to which they are joined. Unfortunately, because the rootstock is usually more vigorous than the cultivar grafted onto it. The growth of these suckers will outstrip that of the grafted plant, usually resulting in the death of the grafted plant. Suckers must be removed at an early stage by simply pulling them out.