Grafting Latex Dipped Scions

The Francis Marion Seed Orchard is to supply genetically superior pine seed to the National Forests of the Coastal Plain and piedmont region of North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. When completely established, the orchard will contain some 13,000 loblolly, shortleaf, and longleaf ramets. Each year between 6,000 and 7,000 individual grafts are made. Previously, the grafting of loblolly and shortleaf pine had been done by the conventional pot-graft method. In the fall (usually December) 1-1 and 1-0 rootstock were lifted with a potting tool and placed in 8-inch metal nursery pots. Grafting was done in February, March, and April using polyethylene bags to keep the scions from drying out following grafting. In addition, a kraft paper bag was used to provide shade. After grafting, the potted grafts were placed in a screen house (55 percent shade) where they remained until field planting time in early summer. In using this method a problem developed, causing us to seek a better method of grafting. All too often, in the coastal section of South Carolina, where the seed orchard is located, springtime temperatures rise while the humidity remains high. Consequently, the grafted ramets in their polyethylenebags develop bad mold conditions.

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Author(s): James L. McConnell

Publication: Tree Planters' Notes - Volume 19, Number 4 (1969)

Volume: 19

Number: 4