Avocado Sucker Grafting - After the Fire
When avocados are converted from one variety to another or in the case of severe frost or fire damage and there is still a healthy root system, sucker grafting should be considered. This can lead to more rapid production and is one of the easiest, most successful grafting procedures. It does take considerable attention to the graft and protection from damage by animals and overgrowth from competing suckers.
A detailed presentation of the process is found in a UC publication – Propagating Avocados, authored by Bob Whitsell, Grey Martin, BOB Bergh, Alvin Lypps and Hank Brokaw. This pamphlet was published in 1989 and is still the bible of avocado propagation. It mentions the use of parafilm as a wrapping material. It is now the standard for grafting and budding. Parafilm has pretty much replaced polyvinyl tape and asphalt emulsion for sealing and attaching the scions. It is a strong material, yet readily stretches to allow for bud growth. Where the grafts are exposed to the sun, this tape should also be painted white to protect the growing point from sunburn.
http://www.avocadosource.com/papers/research_articles/whitsellrh1989.pdf
And an older publication by E.O. Stromberg
http://www.avocadosource.com/CAS_Yearbooks/CAS_25_1940/CAS_1940_PG_89-91.pdf
avocado suckers