Preparation of Grafting Wax for Plant Grafting
Grafting Wax has two main purposes
1. It seals over the grafting union thereby preventing the loss of moisture and death of the tender exposed cells of the cut surfaces of the rootstock. These cells are essential for callus production and healing of the growth union.
2. It prevents the entrance of various decay producing organisms that root wood.
An ideal grafting wax should adhere well to the plant surface, not be washed off by rains. Not be so brittle as to crack and chip during cold weather or so soft that it will melt and run of during hot days, but soft enough to run of allowing diameter growth of the plant without getting cracked.
A commonly used formulation for Plant Grafting Wax
| Ingredients | Quantity |
| Resin | 2.25 Kg |
| Beeswax | 0.30 Kg |
| Linseed Oil | 250 ml |
| Lamp black or Powdered Charcoal | 30 gm |
| Glue | 45 gm |
How to prepare Plant Grafting Wax ?
The glue is first boiled in enough water to get it dissolved. Resin and beeswax are melted in another container. Linseed oil and lamp black are added to the second container containing the resin and beeswax and stir well. Then the mixture is allowed to cool. Remaining in the fluid state, the glue is added slowly to the partially cooled mixture of resin, beeswax, linseed oil and lamp black while stringing continuously. Then the mixture is poured into a shallow greased pan and allowed to harden. When required a small lump is taken, melted by reheating and applied with a small paint brush to the grafting area.
Note: Too hot wax should not be applied in the grafting area.