Detailed Explanation of Key Points of Wax-Sealing Technology for Jujube Scions

I. Benefits of Wax Sealing

1. Wax-sealing the scion forms a thin wax film on the scion surface, sealing the stomata of the scion epidermis and the cuts at both ends of the scion, reducing water evaporation by more than 90% compared with ordinary scions, thus protecting the scion.

2. The grafting period is long; jujube branch grafting is generally from mid-to-late April to early May, while wax-sealed scions can extend jujube branch grafting to late July.

3. High survival rate; wax-sealed scions not only keep the scion fresh, but also, within more than half a month after grafting until survival, can still effectively prevent dehydration and drying caused by strong winds and drought from outside.

4. Fewer procedures; using wax-sealed scions for grafting does not require mounding soil or complex packaging.

II. Wax Sealing Method

Put industrial paraffin into a container, add an appropriate amount of water and a little rosin, and heat; when the wax liquid temperature rises to 100°C, begin dipping in wax. Cut the scions according to the length required for grafting; when dipping in wax, first hold one end of the scion and quickly dip it in wax, then reverse it and dip the other end, with each end taking no more than 1 second, so that the entire scion is sealed with a thin layer of paraffin. After cooling and solidifying, hang on a label, put into a bag, and store in a low-temperature, high-humidity cellar, or use immediately for grafting.

III. Precautions

1. Strictly control the temperature and time when dipping scions in wax. When the temperature is low, the paraffin layer is prone to cracks, and when cutting the scion, the wax layer may fall off, affecting the grafting survival rate. If the temperature is too high and the wax-dipping speed is slow, it is easy to scald the bark or buds. Therefore, the temperature must be well controlled and the speed must be fast.

2. Before and after wax dipping, the scions must not be exposed to water; on branches exposed to water, the wax liquid does not adhere easily, and after wax-sealed branches are exposed to water, the wax film easily falls off.

3. Scions cut on the same day should be completely sealed on the same day, to reduce water loss from the scions before wax sealing. If wax-sealed scions are not used temporarily, they need to be kept in a low-temperature, high-humidity cellar.