2016 CRFG Scion Exchanges
Asian Citrus Psyllid/Huanglongbing is a widespread problem in California, Arizona and Texas. Thus no citrus or citrus family (including curry leaf) material is allowed at CRFG scion exchanges. Chapters can order guaranteed clean citrus material from the Citrus Clonal Protection Program (CCPP). How to order from CCPP: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OE34G80tcOM
Tips for attending a scion exchange:
- - To repeat: DO NOT bring citrus or citrus family (e.g. curry leaf) plants/plant material.
- - DO NOT bring scionwood from patented varieties. You can search the US
Patent and Trademark Office site to be really sure something's actually out
of patent. http://patft.uspto.gov/netahtml/PTO/search-adv.htm
US Plant Patents last 20 years from the date of filing. If you cannot definitively prove it's not under current patent, don't bring it to the exchange. Lists of varieties still under patent, although neither list is complete:
Jason Sutor's list and Dave Wilson's List - - If you're bringing scions, make sure you label them by species and variety. (e.g. Apple 'Hudson's Golden Gem'). If you don't know the variety, just say something like "Mystery apple" but add what you know about it like its harvest time. Sanitize your pruners when clipping scions to prevent spreading plant diseases.
- - This video covers in detail how to collect, store and label your scions.
- - Bring plastic bags, a permanent marker or labels so that you can keep track of what you're picking up at the exchange. Maybe even bring a shoulder bag to put the labelled baggies into as you amass more material.
- - Ask your chapter in the weeks ahead if they need any help. Volunteers often get in early and get first pick of the scions as reward for their help. Volunteers are what keep CRFG running!
- - Make sure your CRFG membership is up-to-date because many chapters have discounts and/or members-only hours for their exchanges.
- - Bring cash. Sometimes there are things for sale and the seller/chapter has no way of processing credit cards or the time to hassle with checks. Making sure you've got cash will save you from disappointment.