Winter Storage of Seedlings
Let's talk about the common knowledge of flower cultivation, the winter storage of seedling seeds. Next, the editor will provide you with a detailed explanation.
Different tree species have their own physiological characteristics. In winter, different storage methods should be adopted according to the species to ensure their germination rate.
I. Dry Storage Method: There are two types, sealed dry storage and ordinary dry storage. For poplar, willow, and eucalyptus seeds, sealed dry storage should be used. The method is: place the dry seeds in a sterilized glass bottle or porcelain container, and seal the container opening with wax to isolate the seeds from the external air. For pine, cypress, mulberry, locust, Chinese toon, purple osier, Paulownia, and bitter chestnut seeds, which have low metabolic capacity, they generally meet the moisture content standards for storage after drying. These seeds can be stored using the ordinary dry storage method. The method is: after the seeds are thoroughly dried, they are placed in burlap bags or barrels, cabinets, and kept in a cellar or room with a temperature of 0.5°C and a relative humidity of 50% to 60%.
II. Wet Storage Method: For chestnut, ginkgo, apple, prickly ash, and camphor tree seeds, due to their higher standard moisture content, if dry storage is used, they may not germinate easily the following year. Storing them in a low-temperature and humid place can replace the seed treatment before sowing, and the seeds can be sown directly. Common wet storage methods include pit storage and heap storage. The method of pit storage is: select a high and dry place with good drainage, dig a pit 0.8 meters deep and 1 square meter in area, cover the bottom of the pit with coarse sand, mix the seeds with fine sand in a 1:3 ratio and place them in the pit, fill to 10 centimeters from the edge, then cover with sand and soil, place several bundles of straw in the seed pile for ventilation. Keep the temperature in the pit at 0 to 3°C, and maintain the moisture content of the sand and soil at 70% to 80%. Heap storage can be done outdoors or indoors. The method of indoor heap storage is: select a well-ventilated place where sunlight does not reach, cover the ground with sand, then layer seeds and sand, and stack up to 33 to 37 centimeters high, cover with fine sand on top. Several bundles of straw should be placed in the seed pile for ventilation. The outdoor heap storage method is the same as the indoor method, but a covering should be placed on top of the seed pile to prevent damage from rain and animals.
Additionally, the following aspects should be considered when storing seeds:
1. Pay attention to high temperature: As the temperature rises, the seed's respiration also increases. When the seed temperature exceeds 40°C, it is easily damaged.
2. Pay attention to moisture: The higher the moisture content of the seeds, the stronger the respiration, the more nutrients consumed, and the weaker the seedlings.
3. Pay attention to smoke: Seeds that are exposed to smoke for a long time not only reduce the germination rate and germination potential but can also cause seedlings to become diseased in the following spring.
4. Pay attention to toxic gases: Pesticides and fertilizers must be stored separately from seeds.
5. Pay attention to steam: Seeds should not be stored in rooms with a lot of steam.
6. Pay attention to not touching the ground: Seeds packed in burlap bags, cloth bags, or other containers should not be placed directly on the ground to avoid moisture.
7. Pay attention to not using plastic bags to store seeds: Plastic bags are not breathable and can cause seeds to suffocate and stop breathing, reducing the germination rate, and also causing seeds with higher moisture content to mold and rot.
8. Pay attention to avoiding sudden freezing and heating: Seeds stored outdoors for a long time should not be moved into warm rooms; seeds stored in warm rooms for a long time should not be taken outside.
9. Pay attention to preventing rain and snow: Seeds stored outdoors should not be wet by rain or snow to prevent rotting. Moreover, regardless of the method used, it is necessary to check regularly and prevent rodents, moisture, and mold.
The above shares all the content about the winter storage of seedlings, for your comprehensive understanding and reference!