On 17/05/2010 17:07, Michael Bell wrote:
In
Martin wrote:

Unfortunately the heat needed to make heat shrink tubing do the
shrinking will cook the plant stem. It might still be useful as an
external support for a newly made graft even if it is a loose fit or
tacked on with PVA or cyanoacrylate glue.

Regards,
Martin Brown

PVA and cyanoacrylate glue!? These are things I hadn't thought of.
Tell me more!

One original use for cyanoacrylate glue was as a fast wound repair for
soldiers in Vietnam. It is very good at sticking flesh to flesh and
reasonably biocompatible. This is a two edged sword if you accidentally
stick your fingers together. It takes a sharp knife and a steady hand to
separate them (or lots of hot soapy water).

You have to be careful that you don't get any on the cut surfaces as
being water soluble until it cures it will diffuse and closes the xylem
and phloem channels. I had't thought of using heat shrink wrap but I may
well give it a try. Careful choice of stem diameters and it may be
possible to exploit the taper of the stem to lock things in place.

ISTR using string and candle wax will work too if you get it right.
Again there is some risk of cooking the stem if you overdo it.

Regards,
Martin Brown