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5.

if large numbers of plants are wanted. Veneer-grafting on pencil-
size seedling stocks is one of the best nursery methods. Terminal
growth flushes with bark still green, and well developed axillary
buds, will often provide several scions. Frequently one of the
buds at a node is better than the other. In this case only the
stronger should be used, but if both are equally good, the twig
can be split to make two scions. These may be 1½ to 2 in. long.
The completed graft is wrapped with plastic tape or rubber strips,
leaving only the "eye" exposed. In about three weeks the stock
should be lopped, to stimulate bud growth, and after another three
weeks or so, the wrapping should be removed.

Patch-budding has also been used successfully, both the usual
type and the modified Forkert, preferably on rootstocks about
1 inch in diameter. Scions should be of the same thickness. The
seated patch of bud and bark is conveniently held in place by a
somewhat larger patch of vinyl plastic, tied on with plastic strips.

Guava trees already in production can be topworked to better
varieties by the standard method of cleft-grafting, performed
early in the season of most active growth. Another good method
of top-working is to induce the development of many sprouts by
pruning the trees heavily, then when the sprouts which develop
have attained sufficient size (the diameter of a lead pencil or
larger) they can be veneer-grafted, in the same manner as young
seedling stocks. In all cases where guavas are topworked, many
undesired shoots will develop below the graft and must be cut
away promptly lest they outgrow the scions.

Seedlings, either for use as stocks or for planting in the
field, are easily grown. Guava seeds remain viable for many months,
but give decreasing percentages of germination with time, so that