[papereater]

People,

Wondering if anyone here does grafting of fruit trees, and what your opinion s are regarding using official grafting tape vs say, electrical tape. Also, using parafilm "wax" for wrapping the scion first. Finally, covering all with a plastic bag.

Feedback appreciated for this "dark" art.

 

[chandler48]

We successfully grafted several apple trees last year. Not sure of the name of the tape wifey bought, but it stretched well and held tight to itself, sort of like friction tape. Once the cut is made and the new graft inserted, she just taped it up and put it in moist potting soil so it would "set" in time to be put in the ground. She soaked the new shoots in root enhancer for a few days prior, too. I'll look for the name of the tape.

 

[papereater]

We successfully grafted several apple trees last year. Not sure of the name of the tape wifey bought, but it stretched well and held tight to itself, sort of like friction tape. Once the cut is made and the new graft inserted, she just taped it up and put it in moist potting soil so it would "set" in time to be put in the ground. She soaked the new shoots in root enhancer for a few days prior, too. I'll look for the name of the tape.

Thanks, Chand. Now, Im trying to imagine your scenario, sounds like you graft, but also that you CLONE. If you graft to a root stock why did you place in potting soil if the root stock is already in soil/planted?
Cuttings are dipped in enhancer/hormone, but that's cloning, not grafting. Right? Or am I missing something in your process........

 

[chandler48]

why did you place in potting soil

Because when we graft it may be a week or so before we can get them in the ground due to weather conditions. The enhancer is just to promote growth and not really to erupt roots. We buy root stocks from our local nursery, and graft OUR favorite varieties to them.

I do see your point of semantics, regarding "cloning" and "grafting", since grafting is usually done on an existing tree.

 

[papereater]

Because when we graft it may be a week or so before we can get them in the ground due to weather conditions. The enhancer is just to promote growth and not really to erupt roots. We buy root stocks from our local nursery, and graft OUR favorite varieties to them.

I do see your point of semantics, regarding "cloning" and "grafting", since grafting is usually done on an existing tree.

OK, I get it now, Chand. You like to graft onto potted trees, then plant. Didnt think of that. So, regarding the tape- I like how you described how it "grips" as you turn/wrap it around, where electrical tape doesnt. It depends on the gooey adhesive to hold- effective for me so far, but yucky when one has to unwrap it all. Anyway, thanks for your feedback, I am gonna search for a good wide diameter tape, maybe online. And even parafilm to wrap the top bud as well (not sure if you ever thought of that aspect....)

 

[chandler48]

Duh, now I remember what she used as tape. You know the elastic tape they use in hospitals and blood banks to wrap around your arm? She used a 2" roll and cut it into 1" wide strips with many wraps. It sticks to itself and won't bind the plant.

We didn't wrap the top bud, and they seem to be growing just fine. Not that I may be alive when they are fully grown and producing

That is one "faith" planting similar to Pecan trees in the South. Pecan plantation owners never planted trees for their lifetime, since it can take up to 50 years for them to become prolific.

 

[Msradell]

The tape you are referring to is called Cohesive Wrap, a.k.a. Kling. It has some stretch and sticks very well to itself.
https://www.amazon.com/Adherent-Adh...-7547-4d9b-b4f8-fe31bfe05040&tag=the-angle-20

 

[papereater]

The tape you are referring to is called Cohesive Wrap, a.k.a. Kling. It has some stretch and sticks very well to itself.
https://www.amazon.com/Adherent-Adh...-7547-4d9b-b4f8-fe31bfe05040&tag=the-angle-20

Right- I waa thinking more about the dedicated grafting tape, like :

https://www.ebay.com/p/1651918386?i...DlZojCsV2aUZD6PJXTPMBkbQI2ZZIxiBoCvEQQAvD_BwE

But hey- being resourceful is still good! Like I said, I have had decent luck with black elec tape- its just too messy/gooey.

 

[Cedrus]

I used to graft grape vines years ago. Make 2 notches that fit together....dip in wax....put in perlite in a hot steamy room for 3 weeks and.......viola.