A Complete Analysis of the Latest Propagation Methods for Hops

Hops are currently a developing cash crop in our country, and in beer production, hops are a very important raw material. Therefore, the current planting area of hops is still quite large. When planting hops, the most important thing is to do a good job of hop propagation. So how should hops be propagated? Below, the editor brings you the propagation methods for hops. Let's take a look!

1. Seed propagation

When using seed propagation, it is mainly used for hybrid breeding of hops. The seed coat of hops is relatively hard, and the seeds develop poorly, so their germination rate is relatively low, only about 10%. Therefore, before sowing, we should select plump seeds, then soak them in warm water at about 35 degrees and place them in a 24-degree environment for germination. When the average temperature reaches about 20 degrees, they can be sown. After sowing, be careful to cover them with a layer of fine soil, and water frequently to maintain soil moisture. After about 4 days, they can emerge from the soil. After the seedlings emerge, shade measures should be taken, and then about two topdressings should be applied during the mid-seedling stage.

2. Underground stem cutting propagation

Cutting propagation of underground stems is a relatively simple method among hop propagation methods, and it is also the most commonly used method. Each year when cutting hop buds, select healthy underground stems without pests or diseases, about 12 cm long and 1.8 cm thick, with smooth cut surfaces, and use them as seedlings for direct cutting. If they cannot be cut in time, then they should be stored, and a ditch 70 cm deep should be dug in a high, dry place. Then bundle the seedlings into small bundles according to specifications and varieties, label them by category, and place them in the ditch for storage. If transportation is needed, then pay attention to water loss and temperature.

3. Green branch cuttings

Green branch cuttings are also a commonly used propagation method for hops, and the propagation coefficient of green branch cuttings is relatively high. They can be carried out in a greenhouse and seedbed environment, but they are not yet very widely used in China; generally they are used more abroad. Experiments have shown that if green branches with about two bud nodes are selected for cuttings in May-June, the survival rate can reach more than 95%. Alternatively, one month later, selecting green branches with one bud node and treating them with indoleacetic acid also gives a very high rooting rate.

4. Bud planting propagation

When cutting buds, we should select and retain tender buds about 8-12 cm long, plump and healthy, free of pests and diseases, and with an appropriate amount of fibrous roots. Control the plant and row spacing well and plant them directly in the nursery. When planting buds, all buds should be planted into the soil, with the distance between the top of the bud and the ground controlled at about 3 cm. After planting, cover with soil appropriately, then water to keep the soil moist. Under normal conditions, seedlings can emerge in 2-3 weeks. After emergence, carry out management work according to the management requirements for seedlings.

The above is a brief introduction to hop propagation methods. There are many propagation methods for hops, and the choice should mainly be based on your own planting habits and methods. That is all for today's introduction. This article is for reference only, and I hope it can help everyone!