Parafilm discussion

[greenfig]

http://growingfruit.org/t/parafilm-vs-polyethylene-for-grafting/641

Enjoy!

I try to cover the entire scion with a wax or paraffin before grafting when possible.

[AscPete]

Thanks for sharing that link.
I'm considering doing a few grafts this year using the polyethylene strips from Supermarket Produce bags. There are several videos on Youtube. The scions will be painted with pruning sealant.

https://www.youtube.com/user/stephenhayesuk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jZHsus9qGlA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XpgbpbewU3E

[Altadena Mara]

I really like the Buddy Tape brand of parafilm that was suggested on another board. I’ve tried wax (awful results) and regular parafilm (good results) working with grafting apple trees. But my favorite is Buddy Tape that I’ve just started to use the last few months with rooting fig cuttings. Each 3" segment stretches to around 8xs its length, covers the cutting or bud like a second skin, seals back on itself beautifully- even over the end of a scion, and still allows the emerging buds to push through. The makers claim Buddy Tape allows air to pass through so a cutting can “breath” but keeps moisture in so it doesn’t dehydrate. A produce bag or regular sealant wouldn’t do that as well.
Everyone has to find what works best for them. I have some expensive cuttings that I can’t afford to lose and am not a master gardener -just an enthusiastic amateur. It's nice to be at a stage in my life where I am able to get the right tools to do the best job possible for me and for my plants.

http://www.buddytape.com/about.html

[Darkman]

Something I learned at a recent MSU grafting clinic held at their Poplarville extension site.

1. Remove any terminal buds (just to eager to bust open before a good nutrient path is established)
2. Seal the top cut with Elmer's glue (use a glue stick) prevents moisture loss and pathogen ingress
3. Parafilm came highly recommended but I found it easy to break

I'd like to try Buddy Tape brand sounds like it might be a little more stretchy.

Altadena Mara would you consider adding a signature with your location?

Where did you make your purchase? I tried to send an E-mail to the US contact put it returned undeliverable.