Cassia Summer Tender Branch Cutting
Today, the editor will explain to you the knowledge of flower propagation regarding cassia, specifically the cutting of cassia summer tender branches as follows:
Cassia summer tender branch cutting is one of the main methods for large-scale propagation of cassia. It avoids the busy season of seedling raising and afforestation in spring, instead scheduling the seedling raising during the relatively idle summer, allowing ample time for the operation. Therefore, cassia summer cutting seedling raising is highly efficient in production. The cutting seedling technique is introduced as follows:
1. Preparation of the nursery: If there is a planned land use, it can be deeply dug twice in winter and prepared with seedbeds that are 20 cm high and 90 cm wide. It is also possible to use the empty land left after the spring seedlings are transplanted to arrange production, deeply turning the soil once, removing tree roots and other debris; then, turn the soil again after the spring seedling production ends, similarly preparing seedbeds that are 20 cm high and 90 cm wide. In early June, remove the weeds growing on the seedbeds and then disinfect with a 1:100 dilution of formaldehyde solution, deeply turn the soil once, and create a turtle-back shaped seedbed that is slightly higher in the middle and lower on the sides.
2. Collection and treatment of cuttings: Cassia summer tender branch cutting is usually done from mid-June to early July. At this time, the new shoots of cassia have stopped growing but are not yet mature, in a semi-lignified state, with active cell division inside the branches, making it easy for them to root and survive. Cutting too early results in tender branches that are difficult to survive; cutting too late means the internal cell division of the branches is about to stop, also making it difficult for them to root and survive. Cuttings should be collected from healthy, vigorous mother trees. Weak branches, inner branches, and diseased branches cannot be used as cuttings. It is best to collect cuttings on sunny mornings or cloudy days, and collection should be avoided during dry or rainy weather.
The collected cuttings should be promptly taken back, spread out in a shady place, sprinkled with a little water, and covered with water-soaked cotton cloth to keep them moist. The cuttings are generally cut to 10 to 15 cm in length, with 2 to 3 leaves left at the top; the bottom of the cutting is cut diagonally slightly, with a smooth cut to facilitate insertion and root healing. The bottom of the cuttings is aligned and bundled in groups of 30 to 50. Then, the cuttings are arranged neatly and vertically in a prepared 100 ppm naphthylacetic acid solution or ABT rooting powder solution, usually soaked for 6 to 8 hours before being taken out, then washed with clean water before insertion.
3. Insertion and post-insertion management: The cuttings are inserted at a density of 4 to 6 cm apart in rows and 15 to 20 cm apart in lines; the depth of insertion is usually 1/2 to 2/3 the length of the cutting. After insertion, water is sprinkled with a fine misting watering can until thoroughly watered, allowing the cuttings to bind tightly with the soil without any gaps. Water is the key to the survival of summer tender branch cuttings, so it is essential to manage water regulation and management effectively.
After insertion, immediately set up a shading net with a light transmission of 30% to 50%; the height of the shading net from the seedbed surface is generally 130 to 150 cm, which not only helps to keep the moisture and reduce the temperature but also does not affect the production management operations. Also, it is important to remove weeds, water, and loosen the soil promptly. Watering is needed when the topsoil of the seedbed starts to turn grayish-white; each time, make sure to water thoroughly; however, avoid overwatering as it can lead to soil compaction and mold growth, affecting root survival.
After rainfall, it is necessary to loosen the soil to ensure it is loose and breathable for root growth, but be careful not to touch the cuttings while doing so. By mid-to-late October, when the weather is cool, the shading net can be removed, but it is also important to water during dry autumn weather. In this way, the cassia can be transplanted or sold in the following spring.
The above sharing of the complete introduction to cassia summer tender branch cutting is hoped to be helpful to you. Don't forget to check out more flowering plant care experience and knowledge!