Differences Between Nodal and Sectional Cuttings

There are several different kinds of propagation methods that you can use in your gardening efforts, but one of the more effective methods is by doing cuttings. Two of the more effective, and therefor popular, cutting methods are nodal and sectional cutting. But what are they? What are the differences between nodal and sectional cuttings? Keep reading to find out.

• Nodal cutting basics. In the simplest of terms, nodal cutting is a method for pruning and propagation where the cut is made just below the node of a branch or stem. Perhaps the single greatest attraction of this cutting method is that you can "generate" more propagation material than with other Cutting methods. For example, if you cut just below a node of two or more leafs, you then can split the cutting again between each leaf. Each of those leafs could then be used for propagation methods. Other attractions of this method is that it causes a minimum amount of trauma to the plant, as well as being able to be utilized later in the growing season. In many ways nodal cutting is similar to leaf-bud cutting.
• Sectional cutting basics. Sectional cuttings are basically what they imply, cut sections of a plant. These are usually accomplished by cutting out a section of the plant, stem, or branch. When you use this kind of cutting, you will want to make sure that the "top" cut is straight, while the bottom is angled. This type of cut can be often used in grafting, though you can also use it in other forms of propagation. This particular type of cutting can also (if done properly) provide more than one source for propagation.
• Differences. There are really only two differences between nodal and sectional cuttings. The first is that nodal cutting is much less traumatic than sectional cutting. As such this means that you have a much larger timeframe to work with than you would with sectional cutting. If you don't need to worry about how robust a plant is, then this is the one that you want to use. However, sectional cutting allows you to have a much stronger connection when you complete the grafting process.

Considering that there are so few differences between nodal and sectional cuttings, you need to worry more about other factors to help you make your decision. What is the purpose behind your cutting? When are you doing the cutting? Are you working with a small and fragile plant, or are you working more with a robust tree? Finding the answers to these questions will allow you to make your final decision, and help you to make the correct decision for your needs.