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.
