I recently received a copy of
Techniques of Grafting, a new DVD from the Orange County Chapter of the
CRFG and wanted to tell you about it.
Subtitled:
Fundamentals of Grafting
The disk features five experienced
California grafters who take you through the process of grafting using
splice, cleft and bark grafts. There are also sections on Scionwood,
Clonal Grafting and Air Layering. Each topic is divided into a chapter,
which allows you to replay those areas of specific interest to you.
Many times non studio disks suffer from poor editing or sound or
reproduction problems. Techniques of Grafting has to be one of the best
efforts I have seen. Video is clear, sound is understandable and
dialogue is not overly rushed. They have also avoided the problems
associated with labels on DVDs by having the disk information printed
on the disk. (No jammed up players from lost labels here.)
A Chapter by
Chapter Look
Splice Graft – Julie Frink
Using Avocado seedlings Julie clearly
demonstrates a splice graft. She also offers some good observations.
The use of community pots for early rootstock production and wrapping
budwood in Parafilm ™
are a
couple. She also ties a beautiful knot
in plastic tape, something many fail to learn. An obviously experienced
grafter she is easy to follow.
Bark Graft – Dennis Luby
The bark graft or field graft is one seldom
used by backyarders and Dennis does a good job of both explaining and
demonstrating the process. While quite different than a splice graft we
clearly see that there are similarities between the two. Dennis shares
much of his experience with the viewer.
Cleft Graft – Don Winterstein
Using Jujube Don shows us a cleft graft
using fairly hard woods. As with the other presenters he uses care to
both explain and demonstrate each step as the graft is made. It would
be fairly easy for a novice to follow his directions successfully.
Air Layering – Roger Meyer
What's air layering doing on a DVD
about grafting? Perhaps it belongs here, as air layering is one of the
most common methods used by homeowners and nurserymen to propagate.
Roger explains both the similarities and differences in the two
techniques on a longan.
Cleft Graft – Riley Holly
Using avocado, Riley revisits the cleft
graft. We get a quick look at the process from a slightly different
perspective and you may want to play this chapter twice as it is full
of information and moves a
bit fast.
Scionwood Collection – Riley Holly
Riley spends a few moments
selecting citrus and avocado budwood. He also takes some time to
explain the different tools needed for budwood collection and grafting.
His use of a small wood plane to make precision cuts in hardwood
budwoods is particularly interesting. A good explanation on the
production of selected rootstocks is also provided. The viewer comes
away understanding the budwood / rootstock selection process better
than the average gardener.
I found the DVD very educational and was especially interested in the
differences in techniques between California and Florida. Be you
advanced or a
beginner, I recommend that you seriously consider adding this DVD to
your horticultural library. Running time is approximately 1 hour.
We are SOLD OUT our sincere thanks to all who ordered!
Free gifts included with each order: A PDF file containing
more techniques with plenty of photos AND
Eight feet of Grafting Parafilm® with rubber tie strips. While
supplies last.
