How do you select Manchurian ash seeds? What are the seedling-raising methods?
The Manchurian ash tree is a vulnerable tree species in the Oleaceae family and an ancient relict plant. Although its distribution range is relatively wide, it mostly grows scattered in small groups. Its wood is tough and its grain is attractive, making it an excellent timber for furniture. Due to excessive logging, its numbers are declining day by day, and large trees are now rarely seen. So how do you select Manchurian ash seeds? What are the seedling-raising methods? Let's take a look together below.
1. How do you select Manchurian ash seeds?
At the seedling-raising stage of Manchurian ash, seed selection is especially critical; the quality of the seeds directly affects the growth of Manchurian ash. It is best to use seeds collected from superior Manchurian ash stands in the local area, and superior Manchurian ash seeds produced in areas with the same or similar ecological climate and soil conditions as the local area may also be used.
For this reason, at the location where Manchurian ash grows, collect and sort the mature seeds each year when it enters the fruiting stage. After entering July, observe the color of the samaras and select light yellow mature fruits for collection and sowing; in the following spring, when the earth warms up, the Manchurian ash seeds germinate in the soil. It should be noted that the collection time for Manchurian ash seeds should not be too late, because after the seeds enter dormancy it is not conducive to germination the next year.
2. What are the seedling-raising methods for Manchurian ash?
1. Seed stratification to promote germination
Variable-temperature stratification to promote germination, that is, mix the seeds evenly with clean fresh fine river sand (humidity requirement is 60% of saturated water capacity) at a ratio of 1:3, spread it in a well-ventilated place at a thickness of about 30cm, and treat at 25°C for 90d, during which it must be turned and checked frequently to prevent mildew, while also paying attention to moisture retention, then treat at a low temperature of 0-5°C for 60d. Pre-sowing stratification to promote germination, that is, about 7d before sowing in late April of the following spring, move (spread flat) the temperature-treated seeds and sand to a flat, wind-sheltered, sunny place with an air temperature of 18-25°C for pre-sowing stratification to promote germination, with a spread thickness of 30-40cm; it is required to turn frequently and check carefully, and sowing can be done when the seed cracking rate reaches 30%.
2. Sowing and seedling raising
Broadcast sowing is often used. Before sowing, irrigate the seedbed with enough bottom water, and sow after 1-2d when the surface soil is slightly dry. Choose breezy or windless weather and evenly broadcast the sand-mixed seeds on the bed surface. After sowing, cover with soil about 2.0cm thick, striving for uniform thickness, and finally compact it. Then add water to 25% nitrofen wettable powder to make a liquid with a concentration of 1%, and evenly spray it on the bed surface at a dosage of 0.5-1.0g/m2 to carry out closed weed-control treatment on the bed surface.
3. Seedling-stage management
When the bed surface temperature reaches or exceeds 30°C, immediately carry out watering and cooling measures. When the surface soil of the seedbed is dry, spray water in an appropriate amount; the principle of spraying water is a small amount many times, with the bed surface not accumulating water as the limit. When the seedlings break through the soil, the amount of watering may be appropriately increased, while also paying attention to promptly breaking up the compacted layer. Prevent early and late frosts. Atomized water spraying or smoke smoking may be adopted to prevent possible early and late frost damage.
4. Thinning and filling in seedlings
Around 20d after the seedlings emerge completely, thinning can be carried out, once every 10d, until the end of June, when the seedlings retained in the seedbed are finally set at a density of 60-70 plants/m2. Before final setting, fill in gaps where seedlings are missing with a small pointed shovel or a seedling transplanter. If pests or diseases are found at the seedling stage, targeted measures should be taken promptly for control.
The above is an introduction to Manchurian ash. Manchurian ash has excellent wood quality and is a precious timber tree species in Northeast and North China. It can be used to make various furniture, musical instruments, sports equipment, vehicles and ships, machinery and special building materials. At the same time, it has scientific significance for studying the Tertiary flora and the climate of the Quaternary glacial period.
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