Detailed Explanation of the Fig Cutting Propagation Method in Plastic Film Sheds

The fig (Ficus carica Linn.) is a flowering plant belonging to the mulberry family (Moraceae) and the genus Ficus. It mainly grows in some tropical and temperate regions and is a subtropical deciduous small tree. There are currently about eight hundred known fig varieties, the vast majority of which are evergreen varieties; only those growing in temperate regions are deciduous varieties. The fruit is bulbous in shape with a small opening at the end, and the pollen is spread by wasps. Also known as Azang (from Youyang Zazu, transliterated from Persian: anjir), figs can be eaten fresh and used medicinally, and can also be processed into dried figs, preserved fruit, jam, juice, fruit tea, fruit wine, beverages, canned goods, and more. Dried figs contain no chemical additives and have a rich, sweet taste. Fig juice and beverages have a unique fresh fragrance, promote salivation and quench thirst, and are suitable for all ages. The fig tree has luxuriant branches and leaves and an elegant form, offering good ornamental value, and is an excellent ornamental tree for landscaping gardens and courtyards. It bears fruit in the same year it is planted, making it one of the best potted fruit trees. If fig bonsai are vigorously developed, the benefits will be very obvious, and it is currently one of the potted fruit trees with the highest profit margins. In the Bible (New Testament) there is also the story of the fig tree and Jesus (the four Gospels). The autumn method of raising fig seedlings by cuttings in plastic film sheds is introduced as follows:

Shed construction: Choose a plot that is sheltered from the wind, faces the sun, and does not accumulate water. Build walls of soil 30 cm thick, with tube-shaped walls 15 cm and 30 cm high on the south and north sides respectively; the east and west walls are higher in the north and lower in the south. The shed body is 1.8-2 m wide, with a horizontal pole (stick) placed across the top every 50 cm.

Seedbed preparation: Dig a trench 1.2 m wide and 45 cm deep, with the length determined by the number of seedlings to be raised. Lay 15 cm of wheat straw and cow dung treated with a 0.3% potassium permanganate solution at the bottom of the bed as heating material, then cover with 20 cm of a mixture of river sand, fertile garden soil, and high-quality fully decomposed farmyard manure in a ratio of 1:1:1. Level it and water thoroughly, then set aside for use.

Cutting selection: The time is generally from late September to mid-October, after the seedlings have stopped growing. Select current-year branches that are thick and strong with small pith and plump buds. Remove the tender growing tip and the lower latent bud portion, cut into 20 cm lengths, and keep 1/3-1/2 of 2-3 upper leaves. Make a flat cut about 1.5 cm above a bud as the upper cut, and make a slanted cut 1-1.5 cm below a bud as the lower cut. Then tie 30-50 cuttings into a bundle with the lower ends aligned, and soak the base 5 cm of the cuttings in No. 2 rooting powder solution or naphthalene acetic acid solution (the solution concentration and soaking time should be determined according to the product instructions).

Cutting insertion: After the water in the seedbed has seeped down, use a wooden stick to make holes in the seedbed at a spacing of 15 cm × 20 cm, then insert the cuttings into the holes. After finishing each bed, cover with 3 cm of fine sand or sawdust, disinfect and sterilize both with a 0.3% potassium permanganate solution, then spray water and cover with the shed.

Shed management: The temperature inside the shed must be strictly controlled at 8-30°C. Keep it at 8-16°C at night and 20-28°C during the day. After the beginning of winter, when the temperature is low, cover the shed with straw mats and wheat straw, uncovering them each day at 9-10 a.m. and covering them again at 4 p.m. In early spring, as the temperature gradually rises, uncover the mats at the proper time according to conditions and ventilate to cool down, keeping the temperature inside the shed suitable. After entering March, weed and irrigate promptly to keep the soil moist. At the same time, spray 0.3% monopotassium phosphate or foliar fertilizer once every week; in April, in conjunction with ventilation, gradually uncover the shed film to harden the seedlings, and prepare for transplanting after one week.

Transplanting and planting out: In late April, when both the air temperature and soil temperature have risen, lift the seedlings and plant them out promptly. Before planting out, water the seedlings once; when transplanting, carry more roots and soil, and water immediately after planting.