What rootstock should I use for grafting osmanthus?
Osmanthus osmanthus is a traditional and famous flower in China, and grafting technology directly affects its growth trend and flowering quality. Selecting rootstocks with strong compatibility and good stress resistance can not only improve the survival rate, but also enhance the environmental adaptability of the plant. This article systematically analyzes the characteristics of the four major rootstocks to help you master the secrets of scientific grafting. Comparative analysis of core rootstock varieties of Ligustrum lucidum rootstock: The fast-growing type is preferred. The biological characteristics of the same family and the same genus allow Ligustrum lucidum and sweet-scented osmanthus to form a perfect symbiotic system. The matching degree of xylem vessel diameters reaches 92%, and the contact area of the rootstock and panicle formation exceeds 30% of the conventional grafting standard. It is especially suitable for cultivating fast-growing osmanthus. Practice has shown that using low-position grafting at a distance of 15-20cm from the ground and embedding method with a length of 3- 5 cm can double the speed of callus formation. Attention should be paid to retaining the strap until the spring buds sprout the following year to avoid premature removal and causing the scion to shift. Water wax rootstocks: Drought resistance experts The fibrous root system with developed water wax can extend to a depth of 1.5 meters. Its water absorption efficiency is 1.8 times that of ordinary rootstocks, making it especially suitable for areas with annual rainfall of less than 800 mm. During grafting, tongue grafting method is used to make up for the difference in rootstock thickness. A 25-degree angle is cut on the rootstock with a diameter of 0.8- 1.2 cm to ensure at least 3 contact points in the cambium. It is necessary to prune the sprouts of rootstocks regularly and apply phosphorus and potassium fertilizers every spring to balance nutrients to prevent the phenomenon of "falling branches." Tassel rootstock: The characteristics of the king of cold regions that can survive at low temperatures of-25 ℃ make tassel the first choice for grafting in the north. The critical point of xylem freezing damage is 10℃ lower than that of Ligustrum lucidum, and the cold resistance index of three-year-old grafted seedlings reaches LT50. When using the split grafting method, 3-4 complete bud eyes are retained, and the rootstock diameter is recommended to be> 2 cm to ensure sufficient nutrient reserves. Applying decomposed cake fertilizer every month during the growing period and tying bamboo poles with the main trunk can effectively prevent the phenomenon of "stuck necks". Low-leaf holly rootstock: Although the master stylist names holly holly, it is actually Oleaceae, and its dwarfing characteristics can control the plant height of osmanthus to 1.5-2 meters. During grafting, a reverse polarity bud grafting method was used, and a T-shaped opening was opened 10cm away from the ground on the north side of the rootstock to insert buds with xylem. During the shaping period, iron wire is used to shape curved dry-style, cliff-style and other shapes, and combined with picking to promote secondary branches, a high-quality bonsai can be made in three years.
Different regions should choose rootstocks in a targeted manner: the combination of privet and water wax is preferred in the south of the Yangtze River, fringed rootstocks are recommended in the Yellow River Basin, and Ilex microphyllum is preferred for potted landscaping. No matter what method, master the three key tips of cambium alignment, moisturizing and shading, and slow release and untying, and the grafting survival rate can reach more than 95%. Regularly observe the development of interface callus and timely re-grafting can maximize the success rate of seedling cultivation.