I have 2 Russian #78 from a local nursery, an "eight ball seedling" from ebay, and some unknown cuttings I stuck in the ground that came from GRIN that are all still alive after 3 seasons in 7b. A local lady has a 20+ yr old tree over 20 ft in diameter that produces fruits annually as well

Have at least one out of seven attempts this year.

Root during which season, using hormone or none, if your cutting has 6 buds, how many do you leave above the soil surface?

Sure bop, I'd love to give some seeds a try.

Pears near 100% success. I may try bark grafting if usda sends me more wood. Haven't had much luck bud grafting yet either.

Purpose is crapes in north Alabama survive all sorts of cutting back, have no wet feet issues, etc.

We know grafting onto crepe is possible, but I and another fruit buff in my area failed 100% cleft and bark grafting last year onto crepes. Graft material was from fruit wood nursery and USDA. I'll have pomegranate rootstock this year to attempt, but I'd rather get them on the unkillable crepes. Any ...

My ideal would be dark skin, soft seed, sweet taste, large fruit, and rot resistant. I know these guys seem to suffer in wet climates.

Done!

My "Russian 26" plant also was dead to the ground but has put on 3 ft of new growth

worst case I develop a land race.