This is my first time grafting. I read here where some folks suggest stretching parafilm before applying to the cleft or bud union areas. I did that, and 24-hoyrs after bud eye was inserted into the root stock, the parafilm had cracked open. In my opinion Parafilm is simply not a good medium for grafting althogh it may work. It does not that "Grow and Stretch with me" capabilities that Buddy Tape may have.  I was amazed how quickly Cherimoya tree's branch started to heal/swell 24-hrs into grafting that it cracked parafilm due to excessive stretch.

I got this monster roll so I am now using it a lot, stretched and tight closer to the union and then not so stretched on outer layers.

I have already ordered Buddy Tape (for me and few folks in our group), hope to have it within a week. Has others experienced cracking in parafilm?

ok, we are one short of 8 but  I just ordered it for us. I had to send business check to get it. as soon as I receive it I will post here so you can paypal me.

Thanks

SWRancher...I wish that was the case for me... But all I had was a light drizzle yesterday morning. Its been SO dry here, we had a brush fire a week ago about 1/4 mile from the house. Last time I had any measurable rain was the end of Feb. 

Harry, thanks for putting it in that perspective...I feel a little better about all those lost mangoes 

Very well said. Also the fact that those that still remain on the tree would get VIP treatment of resources and nutrients from the tree now, thereby making these warriors the most delicious fruits.

One interesting fact in the manual, Seedling trees live longer (about 15 years) than grafted trees (maximum 10 years).

Question for experts. On Roses all the videos I saw talk about T-Budding, not inverted T budding. What is the difference in the two (inverted vs non-inverted) in terms of graft take? Will T-Budding be better than Inverted T-budding? or it doesnt matter?

Joe, with high winds blowing and your canopy relying on the stems and branches, do you not think that winds will put pressure on the canopy and canopy will put pressure on your scions its sitting on?  Another workaround would be those paper bags that you had, simply cut few holes at top of each bag, heat rises to top and will dissipate from the bag instead of getting trapped.  Just a thought.

Tim, I hope your veneer graft takes it. I went nuts in practicing my grafting lack of skills with Cleft, Veneer, Bark, and t-budding of roses, guavas, chrimoya, plums, apple. Will see how it goes. Some Roses, Guavas, and Cherimoya look promising, but I am not removing any tape.

This damn So. Cal weather is killing me. Today it got very cold again and on Saturday we will hit 80's. My grafts are going thru motions I guess.

I am still waiting for Maha Chanok Scions from MangoDog sometime this month when he prunes.

Joe, I came across your older post on Gardenweb too, nice looking red guavas here. I got 6 mature guavas but all are white, some are asian, no way to ID them yet.  However, if you dont mind, could you push some best red guava scions over? I will pay you $5 via paypal for all the shipping you sent including cherimoyas.

Thanks

OK, I did bark grafting of Guava and Cherimoya trees today.

I do the same but Parafilm snaps easily, and then I end up using more than I am suppose to. I got this monster rool that is 2" wide, makes it harder to work with.

Good find! When I was looking for a roll I searched all over and couldn't find a decent price without buying 8 rolls! Now it is popping up every where!

Ed

I have read about buddy tape being perforated and non-perforated. its a choice.

per Roll, I believe each roll is 130', standard roll that comes from Buddy Tape Manufacturer.