Chestnut Wood for Grafting Wanted!

Scionwood for grafting wanted!

Scion wood collection for Southern American chestnut conservation

The American Chestnut Foundation is seeking scion wood from wild American chestnut trees from the southern population. Population studies have determined that trees found in Western TN and KY, GA, AL, and MS represent the southern population and are the most genetically diverse.

The objectives of this collection are to:

1. Conserve genetic diversity of unique and underrepresented populations of American chestnut through grafting.
2. Grow these grafted plants in favorable conditions (including growth chambers) to promote flowering and ease of pollen collection.
3. Future utilization of pollen and flowers to outcross transgenic chestnut.

Goal for 2023: Gather around 100 sources from the south – Gather in January 2023 for grafting in January and February 2023!

Protocol

• Coordinate with Jamie Van Clief at gro.fca@feilcnav.eimaJ for the collection of this scion wood.
• Scion wood collection should be done during winter dormancy only, which is commonly marked by the loss of leaves or brown leaves dangling (flagged) on their branches. Ideally, collected between December 2022 – January 2023.
• It may be necessary to visit sites twice: once, before winter dormancy to ensure species can be identified to the American chestnut, particularly in areas where they co-occur with chinquapin. Second, when trees have gone dormant to collect scion wood.
• Scion wood should be at least 3 inches long and contain 1 or more unopened buds. With nut grafting, the diameter of the scion is not a concern, but larger buds with space in between buds are preferred (see photos below)
• Collect 10 pieces of scion wood per tree, when possible. At a minimum, we are looking for about 15 buds. However, use judgment when collecting from small trees to not jeopardize the tree’s survival by over-collecting.
• Take GPS coordinates from each tree using the TreeSnap application for smartphones (https://treesnap.org/) or with a GPS unit or smartphone. Ideally, trees have already been ID’d and entered into TACF’s dentataBase.
• Place scion wood from a single tree in a one-gallon sealable bag.

• For each tree, place a note card in the bag containing:

1. Date collected
2. County
3. State
4. Latitude and Longitude
5. Previously used for breeding or not: Yes, No, or Unknown
6. TreeSnap ID or wild tree code from Regional Science Coordinator (if applicable)
7. Public or Private land (do not trespass!)

• Before sealing, place the card in the bag, then roll the bag from the bottom to the top to remove excess air.
• Do not write on the bag as even permanent markers will fade or be scratched off during handling and storage. Temporary writing on bags is fine, but do not rely on them for storage.
• Do not place a damp paper towel in the bag. Moisture from the towel commonly causes mold during storage.
• If desired place them in damp (NOT WET!) peat moss in the bag. The peat moss should be damp enough that you can squeeze it into a ball but not so damp you can squeeze water out of it. • While in the field, store scion wood in a cooler with cold packs and place it in the refrigerator’s crisper drawer until shipping. Do not place it in the freezer.
• Please ship scion wood no later than 2-3 weeks after collection. This is a link to a map showing known locations of chestnuts in GA. Note that we are only looking for Castanea dentata (American chestnut) which typically occurs in wild locations (not yard, street, or farm trees).

For GA trees, it is preferable to use the Tree ID Code (e.g., GAFL2) that appears at the top of the bubble when a tree is clicked on the map. https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1fdxMnFzo150VtwxvbEF8hipSXcCL9hY&ll=33.75432542157627%2C-84.04990611000001&z=7

Shipping:

• Ship on Sunday through Wednesday via 2-day shipping to the attention of Chance Parker. Do not ship on Thursday or Friday. Chance Parker, 23332 Success Road, Saucier MS 39574
• Please send Chance and Jamie the shipping tracking number so everyone knows what’s been shipped. TACF will cover the cost of shipping. They can give you the TACF shipping account numbers.
• In the memo section of the shipping document, please write “southern scion” so that TACF can track the shipping costs associated with this project.

Contact information:

• Chance Parker 601-528-0737 (texting is preferred to calls or emails) vog.adsu@rekrap.k.ecnahC
• Jamie Van Clief gro.fca@feilcnav.eimaJ 828-281-0047, ext. 1107

Ship samples on cold packs and in a small foam cooler, if possible.

Supplies:

• Sealable gallon freezer bags
• GPS unit or smartphone with TreeSnap (https://treesnap.org/)
• Permanent marker for making notes on cards
• Note cards or paper
• Pruners hand and/or pole, depending on tree size
• Cooler and cold packs

Examples of dormant scion wood suitable for grafting purposes (in 1 gal bag).