A Detailed Guide to the Timing and Methods of Grafting Podocarpus
Podocarpus, also known as tusong, belongs to the Podocarpaceae family and is an evergreen coniferous tree distributed across many provinces and regions of China, cultivated in gardens as an ornamental tree. So, do you know when to graft Podocarpus? What grafting methods are there? According to references, Podocarpus is generally grafted around ten days before the start of spring, and grafting can be carried out in late February or early March, with a very high success rate.
Podocarpus grafting methods
1. Tools and materials to prepare before grafting
A single-edged blade, because it is sharper than a grafting knife and has a thin edge; plastic cling film bags, used for bagging the scion and the grafted site to retain moisture; medical disinfecting alcohol, used to disinfect and sterilize the grafting blade; nylon rope, used to tie the scion.
2. Softwood grafting method
Use a 2-year-old potted large-leaf Podocarpus as the rootstock. Before grafting, prune the rootstock appropriately, cutting off opposite branches, front-facing branches and other branches unfavorable for shaping, then select softwood branches of Miye Podocarpus, 3-4 cm, as scions; longer portions can be cut into segments and kept for later use. The scion is cut in the same way as in conventional grafting. Take special care to align the cambium of the scion with that of the rootstock. Other operations and post-grafting management are the same as for other grafting methods. If managed properly after grafting, the survival rate can reach about 95%.
3. High-branch grafting method
Use a relatively large large-leaf Podocarpus as the rootstock, and graft Miye Podocarpus onto the positions where branches are needed using the cut-grafting method. The specific operation is the same as the general cut-grafting method. However, the survival rate of this grafting method is relatively low, so multiple scions need to be grafted around the same branching position.
4. Side grafting method
Use a 2-year-old or 3-year-old large-leaf Podocarpus as the rootstock; the specific operation and management are the same as the five-needle pine grafting method. If managed properly, the survival rate of this grafting method can reach about 90%. Whichever of the above methods is used for grafting, the scion needs to be bagged to retain moisture. Although Miye Podocarpus can be grafted throughout the year, if it is done in the scorching summer or cold winter, management must be extremely careful to ensure the survival rate.
5. Pest control
Spray with a 500-fold dilution of 50% thiophanate-methyl wettable powder. Pests include scale insects, red spider mites and bagworms, which can be killed by spraying with a 1500-fold dilution of 40% omethoate emulsifiable concentrate.
Note: when grafting skills are not yet proficient, it is better to first use 2-3 year old large-leaf Podocarpus for side grafting, and then carry out softwood grafting or softwood high grafting from April to July, as this helps improve the grafting survival rate.
Main values of Podocarpus
1. The wood is fine and uniform in texture and easy to process. It can be used for furniture, utensils, stationery and farm tools.
2. A forest-style Podocarpus bonsai, paired with grazing scenery, can give people the enjoyment of wild charm. If cultivated properly, it can thrive for decades or even a hundred years without decline, becoming an excellent Podocarpus bonsai.
3. In Guangdong, China, household consumption is dominant. In Guangdong, households have become the main force in Podocarpus consumption, with a purchase proportion of about 30%, leaning toward mid-to-high-end products, followed by landscaping units at about 20%, enterprises and institutions at about 20%, collectors at about 15%, and other uses at about 15%.