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nafex - [NAFEX] How to use parafilm.

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  • From: Jwlehman@aol.com
  • To: nafex@lists.ibiblio.org
  • Subject: [NAFEX] How to use parafilm.
  • Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2004 11:58:44 EST


How should Parafilm ideally be used?  And if I need to subsequently wrap or dip the graft with something in addition to the Parafilm, why bother with it at all? John
 
Hello all,

As far as I'm concerned Parafilm is the greatest boom for grafting since grafting was discovered in early Bible times.  Now that is a rather strong statement.

Parafilm feels and I might suggest acts like a cold soft wax. It comes in rolls with a paper between the layers. This paper prevents it from becoming one solid mass of gunk. It does not melt in the heat of the sun. Simply cut off a piece about three inches long, this depends on the area to be covered, remove the paper backing, stretch it maybe 50% (very easily done) and wrap around the understock and scion. It doesn't slide off like plastic strips. After the stretching it sticks together and in about 2 minutes becomes one solid piece on covering. You cannot unwrap it. No other covering is needed except maybe protect from sun. It will not come apart. The buds will push right through it. In the enclosed picture of a persimmon V machine graft, (compare it to splice) you can see the complete covering of a graft and the bud pushing through it. Under the bud is the grafting rubber used to hold the cambium layers of both together tightly. Another nice thing about Parafilm is the Aluminum foil when pressed against the film sticks long enough to keep it cool while callousing. This foil is placed on the South side exposing the graft to early morning and late after noon sun from the North while reflecting the suns rays away during the heat of the day.  I've even had buds push through both the Parafilm and aluminum.  I have a picture of that also if anyone wants to see it.




In another e/m I'll enclose a picture of parafilm used to make a water tight cocoon around a dual bark graft and buds pushing through. No wax needed.

I hope this helps someone. If my e/m's are a pain let me know.

Jerry






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