Graft element, system and method for joining plant stem sections using such graft element, and system and method for preparing such graft element

A method for joining together plant stem sections by means of a graft element, the method comprising:

• providing a graft element by means of a gripping apparatus comprising two gripping units provided with extended portions, the gripping units being arranged for holding the graft element and controllably opening the side opening against a repelling force of the resilient material;
• providing a stem of a root stock to be grafted;
• providing a stem of a scion to be grafted;
• and
• positioning the stems of the root stock and the scion in the graft element by pushing the stems through the side opening by means of a stem positioning device so as to allow the formation of a graft.

A system for joining together plant stem sections by means of a graft element, the system comprising:

• a gripping apparatus comprising two gripping units provided with extended portions the gripping units being arranged for holding the graft element and controllably opening the side opening against a repelling force of the resilient material;
• a root stock holding apparatus for providing a stem of a root stock to be grafted;
• a scion holding apparatus for providing a stem of a scion to be grafted;
• and
• a stem positioning device for positioning the stems of the root stock and the scion in the graft element by pushing the stems through the side opening so as to allow the formation of a graft.