23b 



I'LAXT TKorAGATIOX 



In many tests, either root or cion has broken, rather than 

 loosen or break at the splice. Hence in planting, grafts 

 may be handled almost like cuttings without fear of 

 breakage, resulting in the saving of thousands of trees. 



307. Root graft storage is the same as storage of cut- 

 tings (176, 177), the grafts being tied in bundles of 100, 

 each bundle being correctly labeled with the name of the 

 variety before being placed in damp, green sawdust, 

 sphagnum or sand in a cold but frost-proof room or cel- 

 lar until spring. Unless the temperature is below 40 

 degrees, and unless well ventilated, there is danger that 

 the grafts may heat, rot or sprout and thus be ruined. 

 During the several weeks until planting 

 time the wounds callus (Fig. 191) and the 

 parts grow together so that when planted 

 spongy tissue covers the points of contact. 

 Planting of root grafts in nurseries is 

 done as soon as the ground can be worked 

 in spring, the soil being fitted by deep 

 plowing (preferably the fall before) and by 

 several harrowings before being marked 

 out. Three methods of setting are in 

 vogue — dibbling, furrowing and planting 

 with machines. In each case the grafts are 

 set so the top bud of the cion is iust above 

 the surface. 



Dibbling (Fig. 23) is done only in small 

 nurseries or where only a few grafts are 

 to be planted. Besides its slowness it is objectionable 

 because of the risk of leaving air spaces around the lower 

 ends of the grafts, thus effectively preventing growth. In 

 its practice, holes about eight inches deep are made in the 

 ground eight or nine inches apart with iron bars or pieces 

 of rounded 2.x4 scantling six feet long, sharpened to long 

 points at their lower ends. In these holes the grafts are 

 placed and earth pressed against them full length with 

 large dibbles (Fig. 192). 



FIG. 192— 



NURSERY 

 DIBBLES 



