[NAFEX] Scion Storage

Jwlehman at aol.com Jwlehman at aol.com
Mon Oct 18 08:08:23 EDT 2010


Comments:

Storage perimeters are different depending on the species of scion wood 
being stored. Prunus for example tends to break bud easily when stored at 
around 45 degrees. Persimmon will keep forever at 45. The frig I use is set to 
the coldest setting and frost does appear in the zip bags with the scions. 
With the exception of subtropical species scion freezes on the tree so why not 
in the frig. I have not noticed a higher percentage of failures with wood 
that gets frosted. 

The best place to store scion wood is on the tree. My experience is cut 
scion wood as late as possible in the spring. Here is Indiana that is no sooner 
than March however that can be too late for Prunus. My grafting success 
with Prunus is very low if the buds have started to swell. They need be stored 
near 32 degrees.   

The longer wood is stored the greater the chances of dehydration.  Take the 
paper tower and wet it. Then squeeze out all the water you can. Place it in 
the bag, but not wrap the scions. Altough sometimes I do for short periods. 
Do not use sandwich bags as they aren't meant for long term storage and 
moisture does escape. Use freezer bags.

Yes, I seal the ends with wax but not necessary in all cases. I do it 
anyway as a safety measure. As I ship scion wood all over including foreign 
countries I believe it helps hold in moisture when in long un-refrigerated 
transit times. I've gotten good reports form recipients when the wood is 
un-refrigerated in shipment for periods of a week or more.  Take paraffin wax, melt 
it, then mix in a small amount of Vaseline to soften it, just a personal 
choice. I have a small tin can (may have been a tuna can) that I've had for 
years and just keep adding wax and Vaseline as needed. Do not overheat when 
using. I dip about 1/4 to 1/2 inch on both ends, but not the terminal ends, for 
about 2 seconds. It doesn't hurt if the end cells are damaged and may 
actually help seal in moisture. 

Some hardwood scion collectors dip the entire scion in wax. 

Barbara doesn't like it when I accidentally drip the wax on her electric 
range.

I do not disinfect although maybe I should. But if the wood contains a 
virus or bacterium disinfecting will cure that. Good idea to disenfect the 
tools. 

 

   
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