North American Fruit Explorers mailing list at ibiblio

[Leo Manuel <leom@rarefruit.com>]

All of us feel like we need three hands, sometimes, when 
grafting.  I try to use the compound splice graft, when the
wood is of sufficient diameter (about pencil size or a little
larger.)  That graft holds itself in place while I wrap it,
using clear plastic grafting tape.  

When the wood is quite small, rather than pinning the simple
splice graft pieces together, I tape them together with freezer
tape.  Then wrap tightly with clear plastic grafting tape.  I
think 'tightly' is important for improved percentage of 'takes.'

I see absolutely no advantage to pinning the union, and possibly
several disadvantages.  The careful matching of cambium may be
lost, as the wood shifts.  One or both pieces may split. 

Masking tape would probably do as well, but I use freezer tape to 
temporarily tag grafts, writing on them with a permanent marking 
pen. Freezer tape lasts for years, and if you use a good marking
pen, the tag will be functional until you get a more permanent
tag in place. 

On a related matter, longer splice grafts have more cambium contact
and has been recommended for more difficult-to-graft plants.

Also, cleft grafting frees your hands to wrap the grafted plant, and
I get good results with it, especially when the diameter of the scion 
is smaller than that of the rootstock.  It make the split in the
rootstock away from the center and over to one side.

Horticordially,

Leo in San Diego

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  Leo Manuel    leom@rarefruit.com     http://www.rarefruit.com 
  Rare Fruit News Online - Free Twice-Monthly E-mail Newsletter
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