Author Topic: Grafting question  (Read 4126 times)

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Offline Yankee11

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Grafting question
« on: March 15, 2014, 08:49:32 am »
I saw a picture of someone grafting and it got my attention. They had cut the comb down on the frame to just above the larva. It almost
looked like a tiny larva sitting on plastic foundation. It really made it look easy to get the larva out.

Does anyone know how they might have done this. I'm thinking a wire, fishing line or something.

Looked like it would help in keeping the larva right side up.

Offline tefer2

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Re: Grafting question
« Reply #1 on: March 15, 2014, 09:16:22 am »
You can use a sharp knife that is warmed in hot water.
Just get yourself a chinese grafting tool. They are flexible and can follow the cell wall, curving at the bottom. That's when you lift up with the larvae on the tip.

Offline Yankee11

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Re: Grafting question
« Reply #2 on: March 15, 2014, 09:36:26 pm »
I've got one. Have not mastered it yet though. Gonna try the one with hook on it next.

This picture I saw made it look easy not having to go down those cells. The tiny larva was just right there. Thought it might
help me more successful at first.

Offline tecumseh

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Re: Grafting question
« Reply #3 on: March 16, 2014, 07:25:13 am »
quite often that is what I do.... most especially if the comb I am grafting from is not totally black... first thing it does is make the larvae much easier to see.  I use a razor blade and simply cut thru the middle of a row of cells and peel back the walls of the cells.

you are correct Yankee in that anything you can do that will make the process go a bit quicker or easier will almost invariable improve your success rate.  same thing goes for anything you can do to make yourself more comfortable.

Offline Yankee11

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Re: Grafting question
« Reply #4 on: March 16, 2014, 10:04:09 am »
This is what I was looking at. Sure makes it look easy to get to the larva.




Offline tefer2

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Re: Grafting question
« Reply #5 on: March 16, 2014, 07:03:47 pm »
Looks like they just removed all the wax from the plastic foundation?