How to Judge Scions
The experienced propagator of nut trees can quickly distinguish between good and poor scions for grafting, but the beginner, not knowing the ear marks of good scions, often fails to select the best scions for grafting. The common mistake made by the beginner in the selection of scions of nut trees, is in selecting the smaller growth. The smaller growth is usually more pithy and lacking in vitality and gives poor results in grafting. Poor scions are usually characterized by pithy wood and a light colored, thin bark. The buds are usually farther apart than they are on good scion wood, though this is not always true, as good scions sometimes have the buds set well apart, except near the terminals. The distinguishing marks of good scions are solid, well matured growth, and a thick, dark colored bark. The buds are also larger and usually set closer together.