Introduction to the Reproduction Techniques of梅花 (Plum Blossom)
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Plum blossom, also known as spring plum, belongs to the Rosaceae family, Prunus genus, and is a deciduous tree with lush branches and a graceful posture. The plum blossoms in February to March, with colorful flowers, making it one of the commonly used species for urban greening and home gardening. The reproduction of plum blossoms usually involves grafting, but layering and cutting can also result in viable plants. In hybrid breeding of new varieties and in the cultivation of rootstocks, seeding can also be used.
I. Grafting Reproduction Grafting is the most commonly used method for reproducing plum blossoms, with a very high survival rate. Rootstocks can be seedlings of peach (hairy peach, mountain peach), apricot, and plum, or roots of peach and apricot. 1. Spring grafting. Before early spring germination, methods such as cut grafting, subcutaneous grafting (for larger rootstocks), and bud grafting (including long slice small bud ventral grafting), and cleft grafting can be used.
2. Summer grafting. Conduct cleft grafting with leafy scions between the maturation of the first new shoot and the germination of the second new shoot. Cleft grafting is suitable for multiple variety grafting or high-branch crown replacement, but it must be bagged and kept moist and shaded.
3. Autumn grafting. In winter, ventral grafting is recommended, preferably with long slice small bud full-enclosed ventral grafting. This method is simple to operate, heals well, has a high survival rate, and is not easily broken by the wind. If it does not germinate in the same year, in the following spring when the sap starts to flow, gently pick a small hole at the bud eye, and the bud will germinate.
4. Winter grafting. Using root grafting in winter is very effective. The method is: during the dormant period in winter, carefully dig out healthy, pest-free new roots (with a diameter of 1 centimeter or larger) of peach, apricot, or hairy peach, try to retain the fibrous roots, then cut into 10-15 centimeter long sections for later use. Thicker roots are grafted using cut grafting and subcutaneous grafting, while thinner ones (about 1 centimeter in diameter) are grafted using cleft grafting. After grafting, plant them in a sunny, well-drained sandy loam soil, cover the tied area with soil, and water thoroughly. Winter management is relaxed, and the following spring will germinate. This method results in early grafting, rapid growth, and new plants will bloom 1-2 years after grafting.
II. Cutting Seedlings In November-December after defoliation or early spring after flowering, cut 1-year-old sturdy branches (without flower buds), 10-18 centimeters long, and insert them into a sandy loam seedbed, with about half of the length in the soil, spaced 10 centimeters by 20 centimeters. Keep the soil half-moist and pay attention to watering and other management tasks. For spring cuttings, a shade house must be set up during the summer.
III. Layering Reproduction In February-March, select 1-3-year-old vigorous branches, dig a deep trench next to the mother plant, make three shallow cuts below the bending part of the branch, then cover with soil, place a brick on top, and cut from the mother plant after rooting. High-pressure layering can be done in the rainy season by slightly wounding an appropriate branch on the mother tree, wrapping some mixed soil with plastic film, tying both ends tightly, and maintaining temperature. Check after one month, and for those that have rooted, make a cut below the layering, deep to the middle, and completely cut from the mother plant after another 20-40 days, then transfer to the field for cultivation.
IV. Seeding Reproduction Harvest the fruit in June-July, spread to ripen, wash out the seeds and dry them. Broadcast sow in autumn or early spring with a spacing of 10 centimeters by 25 centimeters.
The above is the small experience of green plant flower breeding techniques for plum blossoms, hoping it can bring help to your life!