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On Aug 17, 2004, at 10:55 PM, Bob Hartman wrote:
. . .
> > * I let the buds dry out in transit. Don't think that's a problem. 
> > They
> > went straight from cutting to my mouth, and were taken out only when
> > ready to be inserted.
>
> Why put them in your mouth?  I never cut the bud until I am ready to 
> insert it.  From the time I cut it off the bud stick until it is in 
> place is
> about 3 to 5 seconds.

I had the same question.  You mouth is full of bacteria, viruses, 
mammalian growth factors, enzymes that break down plant material, and 
who knows what else.  I would try not to touch the cut surface with 
either my fingers or my mouth if possible.  But I've never done bud 
grafting, so maybe that's not an issue.

Ginda