The latest detailed guide to apricot tree propagation time and methods

The apricot tree is one of the excellent economic forest tree species. Its fruit can be eaten directly, and can also be made into jam, canned goods, and dried apricots, among others. Moreover, its planting method is relatively simple and its yield is high, making it a species that many people like to grow. So how is the apricot tree propagated? Join the editor to take a look.

1. Rootstock propagation

For the rootstock used in apricot tree seedling propagation, either the same-species rootstock or a different-species rootstock can be used, but most often wild apricot (Prunus sibirica) is used as the main one. The seeds must be fully mature. Sowing can be divided into autumn sowing or spring sowing. Autumn sowing is carried out before the soil freezes. It is necessary to apply sufficient base fertilizer, then finely prepare the land, after which the seeds are soaked in warm water overnight, and then sown in furrows. For spring sowing, because the temperature is relatively low, in order to speed up seedling emergence, the seeds first need to undergo sand storage and seed soaking treatment before sowing. If the sowing quantity is too small, before spring sowing the shells can be broken manually and then the seeds soaked in warm water to promote germination before sowing. Before sowing, the nursery should be irrigated once, and after the water has infiltrated, sufficient base fertilizer should be applied, then the land prepared and furrows opened for drilling sowing.

2. Grafting

The grafting methods for apricot trees are divided into dormant bud grafting and scion grafting, and can be carried out from June to September. When the seedlings have grown to 60-70 cm and the thickness is about 1 cm, grafting can be carried out. Generally, the cut grafting method is used in spring, while the bud grafting method is used in summer. The cut grafting method uses plant branches as scions for grafting. From excellent and pure, robustly growing, high- and stable-yielding, pest- and disease-free plants, select branches with plump buds and full lignification as scions. Cut them into 5 cm lengths, make the lower part of the scion into a flat wedge shape, cut off the rootstock at a place 4 cm from the ground, choose one side and cut vertically from within the bark layer of the cut surface slightly into the xylem, with a depth roughly similar to the long slanted surface of the scion, then insert the scion with its large cut surface facing inward into the rootstock cut, so that they fit tightly together, and then bind them.

3. Management after grafting

Check promptly and remove the plastic strips. Generally, 10-15 days after grafting, check the grafting survival situation. If it has not survived, re-graft promptly. After the graft survives, cut off the leaves above the grafted bud and remove the lateral buds. The secondary branches below the grafted bud should be cut off. After grafting, the management measures for soil, fertilizer, water, and pest and disease control are the same as those during the seedling propagation period.

4. Seedling release from the nursery

Grafted apricot tree seedlings can be released from the nursery when the main roots reach more than 3, the seedling height reaches 70 cm, the thickness at a place 10 cm above the graft union is about 0.7 cm, and each main branch has more than 5 strong buds. Water sufficiently 3-4 days before lifting the seedlings. When lifting the seedlings, injure the roots as little as possible and strictly prevent bruising. During transportation, use straw bags, nylon bags, and so on to wrap them well. For long-distance transportation, dip the roots in mud slurry, and during transportation water should also be sprinkled to prevent water loss from affecting the survival of the seedlings.

  The above is an introduction to apricot tree propagation time and methods. We hope it can help you. To learn more related knowledge, please follow us.