Section: Hygiene

A hand sprayer of alcohol (isopropyl) is needed. Methylated spirits can be used but it leaves a deposit on the blades of knives when flamed which is then transferred to cut faces. The work surface needs to be sprayed at the start and hands and under fingernails as it must be assumed that if fingers touch the open cut surface, contamination has occurred. Two or three small narrow plastic tubs with alcohol are useful to stand knives, secateurs and chisels and should be stabilized so they do not tip over. A set of tools should be sterilizing whilst working with the other set and tools in use should not be dropped on to the work surface. A steel kitchen pot scourer makes a useful cradle and can be soaked in bleach and even flamed. A gas lighter can be used to flame the tools, a roll of tissue paper and bleach can also be used to clean the work surface. I have noticed that the sap left on the blades after a few cuts will dry and remain soft which can then transfer to the face of the next cut. This can be removed by scrubbing with a less aggressive kitchen pot cleaner, wiped with clean tissue paper, or sterilized again. These procedures and much more (sterile rooms, etc.) are used in micropropagation which require very stringent sanitary conditions. On the other extreme I have watched rose grafting where knife sharpening was done on the closest brick. Somewhere in between these two is suitable for cross genus grafting.

Immediately after the graft is completed it should be sprayed with a contact fungicide, mixed with seaweed extract (10ml /l) and salicylic acid (200mg/litre) to help the plant overcome the shock.)