To: North American Fruit Explorers <nafex@lists.ibiblio.org>
Subject: Re: [NAFEX] grafting
Date: Mon, 20 Jun 2005 09:19:08 -0700 (PDT)
Note: best to stretch the tape before applying to the graft. Cut off a piece
about
3" long, peal off the plastic backing, give it a stretch to maybe half-again
its
lenght, then wrap. No other covering needed.
--- Charles Paradise wrote:
"...if using this splicingtape--is that used all alone? Does it stablize
the graft
enough? Or is it just a cover over the rubbers?
MichelleHorner
zone 4/5 SE WI"
Michelle, Yes, if you're using a tape similar to the one Iuse. You put a
little
pull stretch on the tape and it can be enoughon most grafts to cover the
graft and
also provide enough of the splinting action the rubbers would provide to the
job in
total with just the grafting tape.
There are many different causes of grafting failure. You didn'tmention what
you're
grafting. One cause frequently cited is beginnersleave the cut wood exposed
too
long. Experienced grafters becomea little frequent working fast and that's
one
reason they start to looksometimes a little possessed when grafting.
Charlie Paradise>