Hello,
I took scions from two 100-ish-year-old Dana's Hovey pear trees on property that my folks sold near Silverton. I dearly want to preserve these trees, as they are consummate producers of wonderful eating and canning fruit (215 lbs from one tree!) Unfortunately, we had to harvest the scions in September, not an ideal time. They're in the fridge wrapped in wet towels. Is it possible to graft now, and onto what kind of stock? I don't want to lose them! I'd also like to share some with other folks. Thanks!!
Sue - In my opinion 100-ish-year old family fruit trees should be preseved - especially pears the likes of the Dana.
Also, in my opinion, bud grafting is still very do-able right now - am doing about 20 trees here in the Willamette valley later this week.
Do you have rootstock or a tree to graft your buds onto? If not, are you going to the AAFS this week-end?
Let us know - will try to help you all we can.
Great about the scion being in towels - again, only in my opinion, towels should just be moist, not wet - keep everything in a zip-loc type plastic bag.
Sue,
I agree with everything above; though I’d be a bit leery Budding this late. I suppose all the bud has to do is ‘mesh’ or ‘set.’ Instead of producing vegetative growth it will simply ‘sit there’ until Spring. But you do need a base tree, or rootstock to place it on.
My suggestion is grafting the scion/s directly to a rootstock early this spring. I suspect the buds on your wood are sufficiently mature to store until then -- under the conditions described above; damp, not wet, and sealed from the dehydrating effect of the refrigerator.
Using either ‘that wood,’ or, if you could return to snag some fresh stuff around February, you could bring either to our HOS Spring …Cutting Exchange and Grafting Extravaganza.
Also, a couple weeks prior to that the HOS gives grafting classes at Clackamas Community College. With one of those under your belt you could likely do-it-yourself ... or allow any of our over-eager helpers to do it for you. Do ask before registering if we’ll have pear rootstock available.
Keep in touch 
Thanks, all for these excellent suggestions. We attended the HOS event last year, but cannot this year, unfortunately. If I can keep the scions intact, I'll surely attend the Feb. cutting exchange, as I've never grafted and would love a visual guide. Meantime, I don't have root stock—suggestions as to where to purchase & what variety? The Danas can to a wonderful pink, & I'd like to preserve/share them for many reasons!
Sue - I have some potted pear rootstock - would be willing to donate it to you to perpetuate those old trees - too bad you or someone couldn’t bring the scions into the AAFS either Sat. or Sun. - am sure we could round up someone to bud graft them there - you may have to baby-sit them inside for awhile until they knit - there is a risk associated with holding the scion over til spring - this might give you the option to do both - hedge factor.
If the trees are still standing and you can re-cut scion this spring - that would be the way to go - stick graft them - bare root rootstock will be available at the HOS Spring Show - if this is the only scion; this gives more options to consider - hope things work out for you
Hello, Dave, and thanks for your help again. I do have to be out of town this weekend, but I'd love to talk about the potted pear stock that you have. There is the chance of gleaning more sicons in Feb—we'll see. Meantime, are you available to chat by phone? My number is 503 287-3731. I'm new at posting, and sometimes learn more through conversation. My husband and I are really keen on preserving these trees!
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