A scion is a piece of last year's growth containing two buds that is inserted into the stock, understock, or rootstock. Scion wood consists of woody shoots of the variety that is being propagated that are selected while dormant and before growth begins in the spring. Once harvested, scions should be tied in bundles, carefully labeled and placed in moist (not wet) sawdust or peat moss or wrapped in a moist paper towel and placed in a plastic bag. Scion wood should be kept in a cool, moist place where it will remain fresh and dormant until spring.  The wood should not be exposed to ethylene gas, which is a product of many fruits such as apples and melons. The gas will prematurely age the wood.

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