Can crabapple cuttings survive?
As a representative of traditional famous flowers, crabapple cuttings breeding is the focus of widespread attention of horticulture enthusiasts. This breeding method is both ornamental and economical. Mastering the correct method can increase the survival rate to more than 80%. This article will systematically analyze the core technology of crabapple cuttage from environmental control to operation details. Seasonal selection and temperature control of survival conditions for crabapple cuttings During the vernal equinox (March-April) and autumnal equinox (September-October), the daytime temperature is most suitable when it is stable at 18-22℃. During this period, soil temperature and air humidity form a golden combination, which can activate the callus at the base of the cuttings, which can shorten the rooting period by 5-7 days compared with summer cuttings. The new idea of substrate ratio innovatively uses a mixed substrate of perlite: vermiculite: legular soil =2:1:3, with a porosity of more than 40%. Before use, it needs to be autoclaved at 121 ° C for 20 minutes to completely kill pathogenic microorganisms such as Fusarium and reduce the incidence of black stem disease. Detailed explanation of crabapple cutting operation Scientific branch treatment Method Select semi-lignified branches of the year and retain 3-4 complete leaf nodes. Use a "two-knife method" pruning method: the base is chamfered 45° to increase the water absorption area, and the top is cut flat and applied with healing agent. Experimental data show that the root number of cuttings treated with IBA 500ppm can increase by 2.3 times. The intelligent cuttage system uses tidal irrigation devices to maintain the moisture content of the substrate at 60-70%. Install a temperature and humidity linkage system to maintain 75% air humidity during the day and automatically reduce it to 65% at night, simulating fluctuations in temperature and humidity in the native environment and promoting the differentiation of adventitious roots. The "three no principles" will be implemented in the first two weeks of the critical period of post-planting maintenance: no fertilization, no pot change, and no direct drying. Spraying 0.1% potassium dihydrogen phosphate every week starting from the third week, combined with an LED filling light system (light intensity 2000lux, red light: blue light =3:1), can increase the germination rate of new leaves by 40%.
Through scientific environmental control and precise maintenance management, the survival rate of crabapple cuttings can reach more than 92%. It is recommended to use a stepped seedling training method to gradually increase the light intensity when the new roots grow to 5 cm to achieve a seamless connection from reproduction to planting.