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nafex - Re: [NAFEX] Scion Storage

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  • From: david liezen <chandos49@hotmail.com>
  • To: Nat'l Ass'n of Fruit Explorers <nafex@lists.ibiblio.org>
  • Subject: Re: [NAFEX] Scion Storage
  • Date: Tue, 19 Oct 2010 01:41:55 +0000

Interesting notion: vaseline and wax. How do you remove same prior to grafting, or do you simply  cut that part away? 
              Dave, contemplating such grafts for next spring.

From: Jwlehman@aol.com
Date: Mon, 18 Oct 2010 08:08:23 -0400
To: nafex@lists.ibiblio.org
Subject: Re: [NAFEX] Scion Storage


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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