How to improve the survival rate of chestnut seedlings? A properly configured pollinizer is key

AbstractSeedling selection: choose seedlings with well-developed root systems and no diseases. Site selection: choose flat terrain with relatively deep soil, convenient drainage and a low groundwater table, in sandy soil. Variety: choose excellent varieties and plant in March in spring. Density: carry out rational close planting, about 60 plants per mu in mountainous areas and about 40 plants per mu on plains. Pollination: configure 10% pollinizers in the chestnut orchard to help with pollination.

I. Methods to improve the survival rate of chestnut seedlings

1. Seedling selection

Try to choose seedlings with relatively well-developed root systems and no pests or diseases for planting. The planting time is generally chosen in early March in spring. After planting, graft them, which helps improve the survival rate of chestnut seedlings.

2. Site selection

They should be planted in near-mountain areas with flat terrain and relatively deep soil. The soil should be sandy soil with a relatively low groundwater table and convenient drainage. Do not plant them in saline-alkali soil, waterlogged low-lying land, or places with strong wind.

3. Variety selection

Before planting, choose excellent local varieties, such as Chenguo No. 1 and Paoche No. 2, etc. You can also introduce varieties such as Jinfeng, Shifeng, Qingmao Ruanci, Chushu Hong and Haifeng, etc. Early, mid-season and late varieties should also be reasonably matched.

4. Rational pollination

Chestnuts mainly rely on wind to spread pollen. Because chestnut trees show dichogamy of male and female flowers and self-fruiting, pollination with a single variety will lead to poor pollination and empty burrs. Therefore, 10% pollinizers must be configured in newly built chestnut orchards.

5. Rational density

Rational close planting at planting time helps increase yield. Plain chestnut orchards have about 40 plants per mu, and mountain chestnut orchards have about 60 plants per mu. Planned close-planted chestnut orchards have about 110 plants per mu, and later alternate-row and alternate-plant thinning can still be carried out.

II. Precautions for chestnut grafting

1. Scion selection

First take out the scions stored in cellars and porcelain vats, then sort them, removing those that are dehydrated, have few buds or are broken. Generally, better scions have shiny, plump buds, no traces of damage, and fresh green inner bark on the branches.

2. Grafting tools

The plastic strips used for grafting must be newly purchased, odorless and clean, and cut into strips three fingers wide. Pruning tools include pruning shears, a saw and a sharp knife. Cloth strips or plastic strips can be used as tying bands.

3. Grafting time

Grafting cannot be carried out in rainy weather or weather with relatively low temperatures. Check the weather forecast in advance before grafting. If rain seeps into the junction of stock and scion during grafting, the survival rate will be reduced. Grafting on sunny days with high temperatures gives a relatively high survival rate.

4. Grafting method

(1) It is best to graft onto branches about 1 cm thick, with the thickest not exceeding 1.5 cm.

(2) First cut the rootstock flat, then cut the scion into a horse-ear-shaped cut surface, about 6-10 cm long.

(3) Then put the cut scion into your mouth, choose the smooth side of the rootstock, and gently shave off the outer skin until the tender bark is exposed.

(4) The length and width of the cut surface should both be slightly larger than the scion surface. When inserting, first slit the bark from top to bottom to prevent the scion bark from being stripped off during insertion.

5. Care after grafting

After grafting, the plastic strip should be tied so that the bud tip is slightly exposed. A support should be tied to prevent wind from breaking the scion, and the support should be about 30 cm longer than the scion. Remove sprouts growing on the rootstock in time, and later strengthen fertilizer and water management as well as pest and disease control.