North American Fruit Explorers mailing list at ibiblio

[R F Hollaus <hollaus@comcast.net>]

Jerry,

That's an interesting theory if grafting will work now or not. It is true 
that one object be the graft seal protects as a "seal in" of moisture. 
Another object is to keep "disease out".

Plant disease can still be contained within. Given the longer period the 
time the plant is dormant (seems to me) is giving disease the leg up if the 
storing of the graft or scions are bacterial friendly. (example: plant 
dormant and scion ends mashed from cut, gravy food for bacteria)

My understanding from teachers in the field of grafting is optimal 
conditions storing many scions are "28-30F". Or in another case that above 
34F is more dangerous (reliability goes way down) for other things like 
sweet cherry. 

Many including I have had problems in sweet cherry grafting. 

Might an accurate temperature for storing (uncertain) plant woody material 
be one we should be concerned about? Or why and your opinion of if slightly 
contaminated material is of consequence? 

Rupert Hollaus.

----- Original Message -----
> In a message dated 12/25/2013 5:15:24 PM Eastern Standard Time,
> alexis@conev.org writes:
> 
> > I think it depends on whether the tree is fully dormant or still active.
> > If it is fully dormant, no way.
> 
> Hello Alexis,
> 
> I can't agree. How about cleft grafting that is done during dormancy which
> is completely covered with grafting wax?
> 
> Scions are stored in the refrigerator in plastic bags to prevent
> dehydration. By completely covering the scion and understock where the graft
> is done
> the scion remains dormant and undehydrated as should the cambium on the
> understock. Yes, grafting now is risky but I fully believe if done properly
> it
> will work. But I can't speak from experience as I've never done it. This is
> theory.
> 
> I don't know about the grafting tape as I've never used it. But Parafilm
> when stretched doubling it's length and wrapped with overlapping layers 
> seals
> to itself and forms a solid covering. There are no cracks where moisture can
> escape. That would be the first requirement, no dehydration.
> 
> Jerry