60 Pecan-Growing 



Chip-bud, 



The chip-bud is used both in the nursery and in top-working 

 large trees. The stock should be approximately the same size 

 as the twig from which the bud is taken. When large trees 

 are top-worked by this method it is necessary to remove part 

 of the top one season and bud on the new growth the next year. 



The season for chip-budding in most of the southern states 

 is from February 20 until April 1, the time varying 

 a few days at both ends, depending on whether the season 

 is early or late. The best results are secured when the buds 

 are inserted just before the stock starts into growth, although 

 the work can be continued with fair success until the stock 

 has forced into full growth. Budwood from one-fourth to an 

 inch in diameter should be taken while the tree is still thor- 

 oughly dormant. This wood should be packed in moist but 

 not wet sand, moss, or sawdust and put in cold storage, or 

 buried in a cool well-drained place where the temperature 

 is low enough to prevent forcing of the buds. 



The buds should be inserted in one-year-old wood, although 

 two- or even three-year-old wood often gives good results, 

 provided it is clean and smooth. A clean smooth place should 

 be selected near the base of the stock. The best place for 

 making the insertion is between the nodes on the stock and 

 not over a bud or joint. A sharp knife should be inserted 

 in the stock and pressed downward and slightly inward for 

 about one inch. It is advisable to go through the bark and 

 into the wood a short distance. The blade should then be 

 withdrawn and a crosswise cut slanting downward made at 

 the base of the tongue of the previous cut, until it is entirely 

 severed. This tongue or chip should, however, be left in 

 position until the bud is ready to be inserted. A plump bud 



