Bamboo grafting tool

01 · CONSTRUCTION

Bamboo vs plastic — what changes

Bamboo is slightly stiffer and less flexible than the plastic tongue of the PRO Chinese grafter. In practice this means the larval acceptance rate drops a little compared to the PRO, because the tongue can microscopically damage the cuticle as it slides under the larva. For 10-30 grafts a year (amateur, first try at the method) the difference is acceptable and the saving is worth it. For 100+ grafts a year (semi-professional, batch queen breeder), the PRO grafter pays off in acceptance gain.

02 · USE

How to use it — the 3 moves

1. Locate the larva: identify a worker larva less than 24 h old in the brood box — small, white, C-shaped, surrounded by royal jelly. 2. Slide the tongue under the larva, parallel to the bottom of the cell — without pressing, just lifting. 3. Deposit in the cup: take the loaded tongue (with larva + royal jelly) to the plastic cup on the NICOT block and slide it gently. The larva sits in its jelly without inverting. Typical session: 30 grafts in a row before returning the frame to the hive.

03 · CHOOSING

When to choose bamboo and when PRO

Bamboo (this model, € 1.24): starting in queen rearing, testing the method, occasional grafting, or as a backup for an emergency. PRO (€ 5.74): semi-professional breeder producing 50+ queens per season who needs to squeeze every percentage point of acceptance. Having both at the workbench is a sensible strategy: bamboo for short sessions or learning, PRO for large batches where every larva counts.

04 · BEFORE YOU BUY