[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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