6. Peach trees generally do not respond so satisfactorily to bridge 

 grafting. 



Season for Repair Grafting 



Repair grafting should be performed when the bark is slipping readily which 

 is about the time the trees are starting growth. If and when attempting to 

 bridge graft the bark doesn't slip readily, the inlay graft may be used. 



Selection of Scion Wood for Bridge Grafting 



It usually is necessary to obtain scions in advance of their use in order 

 to have them dormant. Water sprouts or well ripened one year terminal growths 

 make good scions for bridge grafting. Scions can vary in size from tliat of a 

 lead pencil to one-half inch in diameter, the largest scions being used on 

 larger wounds. Scions may be taken from the same tree or any other available 

 compatible sort, but preferably from a winter hardy variety such as Cortland or 

 Mcintosh. 



Seedlings for Inarching 



Use dormant small seedling or nursery trees 3 to 6 feet in height. 



Mechanics of Repair Grafting 



Farmers' Bulletin #1369 U. S. Department of Agriculture gives in detail 

 methods of bridge grafting and inarching. A limited number of this publication 

 can be obtained from the Horticulture Department, University of Massachusetts, 

 Amherst, or from your County Extension Service. 



Grafting Compound 



For the protection of grafting wounds, many growers now use asphalt emulsion 

 instead of a grafting wax. It can be obtained from most distributors of farm and 

 gardening supplies. Asphalt emulsion should be applied on the tip ends of the 

 scions and the exposed edges of the bark on the trunk when bridge grafting is 

 completed. Applying the emulsion on the injured section of the trunk will prevent 

 weathering. 



The Number of Scions 



The following are about the right number of scions for different sized trees: 



(1) Tree 2 inches in diameter, 3 scions. 



(2) Tree 3 inches in diameter, 4 scions. 



(3) Tree 6 inches in diameter, 6 scions. 



(4) Tree 10 inches in dieimeter, 8 or 10 scions. 



On partially girdled trees use a proportionate number of scions. Tree one- 

 quarter or more girdled should be bridge grafted. 



