Tools & Equipment for Budding & Grafting by Ian Tolley OAM

How-To-Video: "The secret to effective propagation is having good quality equipment that is well organized. This will enable you to develop efficient processes, resulting in a faster, better output. If you want to do a good job of propagating, and intend to continue learning the propagator's art, then a good set of tools to cover your intended use is essential.

A tool box is ideal to separate equipment into useful compartments for fieldwork.

Tapes: Selection of tape is determined by the sizes and diameters of both budwood and scion.
Labels: When propagating, always record and attach a label with the variety details, rootstock and date of propagation.
Stiff brush: Removes dust and dirt from the propagation site on the rootstock
Tree sealing polymer: A moisture-proof and flexible barrier that is applied to cut surfaces.
Moist storage box: Store budwood prior to use on a thick wet sponge and cover with a moist cloth.
Budding and grafting knives:
A Snap-off disposable cutting knife to remove PVC ties
B Grafting knife for harder, larger budwood and rootstocks
C Trimming knife to remove suckers flush with the stem
D Budding knife for finer, smaller propagation such as micro budding, micro grafting and soft tissue work. This knife type makes it suitable for a full range of basic budding and light trimming activities. The curved end makes is possible to safely produce T cuts and avoid the often-used slicing action.
Diamond hones and strop: Carry these hones in your work bag. Use the strop to constantly hone/ sharpen your blades.
Caliper gauge: A simple tool that allows very quick measurement of
both graftwood and rootstock diameters.
Band-aids.: A must!

Before work starts, always carefully wash your hands. All cutting and pruning tools have the potential to transmit disease and infection which can make all your propagation work futile. Household bleach is a cheap and effective method of sterilising your tools. Sterilise them daily, as well as each time you start working on a new budwood variety."

Excerpts from Commonsense Citrus - Chapter 7 – Propagation – Tools and Equipment
www.CommonsenseCitrus.com