Japenese maple chop

[Gustavo Martins]

I always thought about cutting paste as a way to ensure that the chop does not dry too fast and hence fostering the formation of new buds nearby.

I don't personally think it will ever prevent an infection. I mean, we are talking about fungus and bacteria here. They are everywhere..... they could infect the chop via inside the tree no?

 

[0soyoung]

I don't personally think it will ever prevent an infection. I mean, we are talking about fungus and bacteria here. They are everywhere..... they could infect the chop via inside the tree no?

I agree.

One could apply a peroxide spray to the surfaces just prior to applying the paste, parafilm, polyethylene, self-amalgamating silicone membrane, damp sphagnum, or etc., to be assure there are no viable spores encapsulated under the temporary covering. In my experience, this isn't much of a worry. Contaminated cutting tools are.