Container Cultivation Techniques and Pest and Disease Control Methods for Photinia × fraseri
With the development of container nurseries, the advantages of container seedlings are becoming increasingly apparent. To facilitate the promotion and sale of new and superior colorful-leaf tree species, cultivation in container form is being adopted more and more. As a new and superior colorful-leaf tree species, Photinia × fraseri is being accepted by more nursery producers, and the container cultivation form is also being gradually adopted.
I. Seedling selection:
Photinia × fraseri is mainly propagated by cuttings. The seedlings available for selection include field-planted cuttings, container cuttings and tissue-cultured seedlings. If the producer is just starting container production of Photinia × fraseri, it is recommended to introduce container cuttings, that is, plug seedlings or tissue-cultured seedlings, to ensure the survival rate of the seedlings. Of course, field-planted cuttings can also be used, or container cultivation can be carried out after the field-planted cuttings have grown to the point just before sale.
II. Container selection:
For producers of Photinia × fraseri container seedlings, container selection is very important. Different containers should be selected according to different specifications of seedlings and different cultivation purposes. At present, there are many varieties and specifications of containers on the market. If long-term planting is considered, woody plant containers, namely gallon pots, can be chosen; their service life can reach about 3 years, they are anti-aging and reusable, making them the first choice for cultivation. If short-term sales are considered, woody planting bags can be chosen; their service life is about 1 year, and the cost is relatively low.
III. Medium:
An ideal container cultivation medium should have 50% solids, 25% air and 25% water. There are many materials that can serve as medium, such as fine sand, peat, perlite, pumice, pine bark, nut shell, coconut coir, sawdust, straw, rice husk, carbonized rice husk and bagasse. Specifically, the mixed medium should meet the following requirements:
(1) Good air permeability and drainage, while also having strong water-holding capacity;
(2) pH value between 5.5 and 6.5, low EC value, sufficient cation exchange capacity, and the ability to continuously supply the elements needed for plant growth;
(3) Consistent material selection standards, free of toxic and harmful substances, and free of pathogens, pests and weed seeds, etc.
When proportioning the cultivation medium, it is also necessary to consider using as few medium material combinations as possible, possibly adjusting the pH value, and adding long-acting controlled-release fertilizer. In production, considering factors such as cost and medium source, peat and perlite are mostly used as the main medium materials.
IV. Potting small seedlings:
The cultivation medium for small Photinia × fraseri container seedlings uses peat:perlite = 4:1. When using it, hydrated lime should be added to adjust the pH value and supplement the medium's calcium nutrition (because peat is all acidic and lacks calcium). When potting, several points must be noted: the root system should be spread out, the seedling should be upright, and it should not be planted too deep; generally, burying the rooting part 2 to 3 cm into the medium is sufficient.
V. Fertilizer use during the small seedling stage:
The most convenient aspect of container seedling production is the use of long-acting slow-release fertilizer, which has a long fertilizer effect period; when using it, only an appropriate amount needs to be added when proportioning the medium. After the small container seedlings are planted, slow-release fertilizer can be applied, and water-soluble fertilizer can also be used for irrigation.
In container seedling production, peat and perlite are often used as the medium, lacking Ca, Mg and trace elements. Therefore, in addition to using controlled-release fertilizer as the base, water-soluble fertilizer also needs to be supplemented to quickly and effectively supplement the various trace elements necessary for seedling growth, so that the seedlings grow robustly.
VI. Repotting:
When the root system of Photinia × fraseri container seedlings has filled the container, and when the pot is removed the fibrous roots are seen to have wrapped around the peat and water is difficult to soak through, repotting is needed. Key points for repotting: add 1/3 medium to an empty pot (apply base fertilizer and mix evenly), place the seedling in the center of the pot, hold it upright, fill with medium, press slightly around the edges, and shake it a little.
The container used for repotting must be larger than the original one. Pine bark or nut shell medium, and sandy loam soil free of weed seeds, can be added to the medium to reduce costs.
When recycled medium is reused, it must be disinfected (use Didike at 600 to 800 times dilution or other disinfection methods).
When applying base fertilizer during repotting of seedlings, the most convenient and economical method is to use long-acting slow-release fertilizer; only an appropriate amount needs to be added when proportioning the medium. The amount of fertilizer applied depends on the size of the container.
By taking the opportunity of repotting, the undesirable growth direction of small seedlings can be corrected so that they grow toward the shape we want.
After repotting, the container seedlings should be placed neatly, with the same number placed in each plot, and aisles should be left to facilitate watering, fertilizing and other operations.
VII. Management:
The internal space of the container is limited, and its water and fertilizer holding capacity is very limited. To make container seedlings grow robustly, the medium in the container needs to be regularly supplemented with water and fertilizer. Watering is a frequent and meticulous management procedure. Usually, large containers are watered once every 1 to 2 weeks, and small containers also need to be watered once every 3 to 6 days. Of course, the watering frequency is also closely related to the size of the seedlings growing in the container. Uneven watering will cause the seedlings to lose water and wilt. Only by watering thoroughly can potted seedlings grow robustly. Under normal circumstances, when the peat in the upper 1/3 of the medium in the container turns white, it is time to water again; one should not wait until the seedlings wilt before watering. In particular, it should be noted that after seedlings show wilting, at first only a small amount of water should be applied to moisten the medium, and only after the wilted leaves of the seedlings return to normal can thorough watering be done. Never flood the water through all at once, otherwise it is easy for the root system to be submerged in water and rot, leading to the death of the seedlings. If watering is difficult to soak through, it is because the medium is too dry or the root system has tightly coiled around the medium. In management, the watering cycle can be shortened, or sprinkler irrigation equipment can be used for regular watering.
Topdressing is a very important operation for the production of Photinia × fraseri container seedlings. The limited root growth space and frequent watering make Photinia × fraseri, which likes fertilizer, appear undernourished. However, frequent use of quick-acting fertilizers not only easily causes seedling burn, but also increases the production management cost and management difficulty of container seedlings. Therefore, we strongly recommend that container seedling producers use Apex long-acting controlled-release fertilizer; it only needs to be applied 1 to 2 times a year, greatly saving labor. When topdressing, hole application can be used, that is, making holes and applying fertilizer into the holes; the number of holes per pot depends on the size of the container.
VIII. Pest and disease control:
The main diseases of Photinia × fraseri container seedlings include anthracnose, leaf spot, etc. Control: during the disease occurrence period, spray chemicals for control. The selected agents include 50% carbendazim at 500 times dilution, 75% chlorothalonil at 500 to 800 times dilution, and 50% thiophanate wettable powder at 800 to 1000 times dilution. Spray once every 7 to 10 days for 3 to 4 consecutive times. For root diseases, Didike at 800 to 1000 times dilution can be used for root drenching. Usually after pruning, chemicals should be sprayed promptly to prevent wound infection.
The main insect pests include aphids, moth larvae, etc. Periodic spraying is used for control. The selected agents include imidacloprid at 800 times dilution, 90% trichlorfon at 1000 times dilution or 50% fenitrothion at 1000 times dilution, or pyrethroid pesticides. The nursery should be inspected frequently, and when newly hatched larvae are found, chemicals should be sprayed promptly.
Introduction to the Cultivation Methods of Photinia × fraseri Container Seedlings
With the acceleration of Photinia × fraseri moving northward, the advantages of Photinia × fraseri container seedlings are becoming increasingly apparent. To facilitate the promotion and sale of new and superior colorful-leaf tree species, cultivation in container form is being adopted more and more. As a new and superior colorful-leaf tree species, Photinia × fraseri is being accepted by more nursery producers, and the container cultivation form is also being gradually adopted.
I. Seedling selection:
Photinia × fraseri is mainly propagated by cuttings. The seedlings available for selection include field-planted cuttings, container cuttings and tissue-cultured seedlings. If the producer is just starting container production of Photinia × fraseri, it is recommended to introduce container cuttings, that is, plug seedlings or tissue-cultured seedlings, to ensure the survival rate of the seedlings. Of course, field-planted cuttings can also be used, or container cultivation can be carried out after the field-planted cuttings have grown to the point just before sale.
II. Container selection:
For producers of Photinia × fraseri container seedlings, container selection is very important. Different containers should be selected according to different specifications of seedlings and different cultivation purposes. At present, there are many varieties and specifications of containers on the market. If long-term planting is considered, woody plant containers, namely gallon pots, can be chosen; their service life can reach about 3 years, they are anti-aging and reusable, making them the first choice for cultivation. If short-term sales are considered, woody planting bags can be chosen; their service life is about 1 year, and the cost is relatively low.
III. Medium:
An ideal container cultivation medium should have 50% solids, 25% air and 25% water. There are many materials that can serve as medium, such as fine sand, peat, perlite, pumice, pine bark, nut shell, coconut coir, sawdust, straw, rice husk, carbonized rice husk and bagasse. Specifically, the mixed medium should meet the following requirements:
1. Good air permeability and drainage, while also having strong water-holding capacity;
2. pH value between 5.5 and 6.5, low EC value, sufficient cation exchange capacity, and the ability to continuously supply the elements needed for plant growth;
3. Consistent material selection standards, free of toxic and harmful substances, and free of pathogens, pests and weed seeds, etc.
When proportioning the cultivation medium, it is also necessary to consider using as few medium material combinations as possible, possibly adjusting the pH value, and adding long-acting controlled-release fertilizer. In production, considering factors such as cost and medium source, peat and perlite are mostly used as the main medium materials.
IV. Potting small seedlings:
The cultivation medium for small Photinia × fraseri container seedlings uses peat:perlite = 4:1. When using it, hydrated lime should be added to adjust the pH value and supplement the medium's calcium nutrition (because peat is all acidic and lacks calcium). When potting, several points must be noted: the root system should be spread out, the seedling should be upright, and it should not be planted too deep; generally, burying the rooting part 2 to 3 cm into the medium is sufficient.
V. Fertilizer use during the small seedling stage:
The most convenient aspect of container seedling production is the use of long-acting slow-release fertilizer, which has a long fertilizer effect period; when using it, only an appropriate amount needs to be added when proportioning the medium. After the small container seedlings are planted, slow-release fertilizer can be applied, and water-soluble fertilizer can also be used for irrigation.
In container seedling production, peat and perlite are often used as the medium, lacking Ca, Mg and trace elements. Therefore, in addition to using controlled-release fertilizer as the base, water-soluble fertilizer also needs to be supplemented to quickly and effectively supplement the various trace elements necessary for seedling growth, so that the seedlings grow robustly.
VI. Repotting:
When the root system of Photinia × fraseri container seedlings has filled the container, and when the pot is removed the fibrous roots are seen to have wrapped around the peat and water is difficult to soak through, repotting is needed. Key points for repotting: add 1/3 medium to an empty pot (apply base fertilizer and mix evenly), place the seedling in the center of the pot, hold it upright, fill with medium, press slightly around the edges, and shake it a little.
The container used for repotting must be larger than the original one. Pine bark or nut shell medium, and sandy loam soil free of weed seeds, can be added to the medium to reduce costs.
When recycled medium is reused, it must be disinfected (use Didike at 600 to 800 times dilution or other disinfection methods).
When applying base fertilizer during repotting of seedlings, the most convenient and economical method is to use long-acting slow-release fertilizer; only an appropriate amount needs to be added when proportioning the medium. The amount of fertilizer applied depends on the size of the container.
By taking the opportunity of repotting, the undesirable growth direction of small seedlings can be corrected so that they grow toward the shape we want.
After repotting, the container seedlings should be placed neatly, with the same number placed in each plot, and aisles should be left to facilitate watering, fertilizing and other operations.
VII. Management:
The internal space of the container is limited, and its water and fertilizer holding capacity is very limited. To make container seedlings grow robustly, the medium in the container needs to be regularly supplemented with water and fertilizer. Watering is a frequent and meticulous management procedure. Usually, large containers are watered once every 1 to 2 weeks, and small containers also need to be watered once every 3 to 6 days. Of course, the watering frequency is also closely related to the size of the seedlings growing in the container. Uneven watering will cause the seedlings to lose water and wilt. Only by watering thoroughly can potted seedlings grow robustly. Under normal circumstances, when the peat in the upper 1/3 of the medium in the container turns white, it is time to water again; one should not wait until the seedlings wilt before watering. In particular, it should be noted that after seedlings show wilting, at first only a small amount of water should be applied to moisten the medium, and only after the wilted leaves of the seedlings return to normal can thorough watering be done. Never flood the water through all at once, otherwise it is easy for the root system to be submerged in water and rot, leading to the death of the seedlings. If watering is difficult to soak through, it is because the medium is too dry or the root system has tightly coiled around the medium. In management, the watering cycle can be shortened, or sprinkler irrigation equipment can be used for regular watering.
Topdressing is a very important operation for the production of Photinia × fraseri container seedlings. The limited root growth space and frequent watering make Photinia × fraseri, which likes fertilizer, appear undernourished. However, frequent use of quick-acting fertilizers not only easily causes seedling burn, but also increases the production management cost and management difficulty of container seedlings. Therefore, I strongly recommend that container seedling producers use Apex long-acting controlled-release fertilizer; it only needs to be applied 1 to 2 times a year, greatly saving labor. When topdressing, hole application can be used, that is, making holes and applying fertilizer into the holes; the number of holes per pot depends on the size of the container.
8. Pest and disease control requiring special attention:
The main diseases of Photinia × fraseri container seedlings include anthracnose, leaf spot, etc. Control: during the disease occurrence period, spray chemicals for control. The selected agents include 50% carbendazim at 500 times dilution, 75% chlorothalonil at 500 to 800 times dilution, and 50% thiophanate wettable powder at 800 to 1**** times dilution. Spray once every 7 to 10 days for 3 to 4 consecutive times. For root diseases, Didike at 800 to 1**** times dilution can be used for root drenching. Usually after pruning, chemicals should be sprayed promptly to prevent wound infection.
The main insect pests include aphids, moth larvae, etc. Periodic spraying is used for control. The selected agents include imidacloprid at 800 times dilution, 90% trichlorfon at 1000 times dilution or 50% fenitrothion at 1000 times dilution, or pyrethroid pesticides. The nursery should be inspected frequently, and when newly hatched larvae are found, chemicals should be sprayed promptly.
Photinia × fraseri also has soil insects, which can be killed with insecticides for cutworms.
Cultivation Techniques for Photinia × fraseri
I. Cutting propagation techniques for Photinia × fraseriThe propagation of Photinia × fraseri mainly includes two methods: tissue culture and cuttings. Tissue culture has relatively high requirements and costs for facilities and professional technology, and is not suitable for most nurseries and growers. After years of research, Zhejiang Senhe Seed Industry Co., Ltd. solved the technical difficulties of cutting propagation and successfully developed a set of cutting propagation techniques with low cost, simple operation, high survival rate and suitability for production in ordinary plastic greenhouses.
1. Cutting facilities and seedbed preparation. Single-span greenhouses are used for cuttings, and greenhouse film must be covered, plus shade netting. After the ground inside the greenhouse is leveled, a ground-level cutting seedbed is established. The width of the seedbed is about 100 cm, and 10 to 12 cm high retaining boards are installed around it. A layer of fine sand is spread at the bottom of the seedbed to facilitate drainage. The cutting substrate can use vermiculite plus peat, or clean yellow subsoil plus fine sand. The seedbed and substrate must be disinfected with fungicides and insecticides to prevent pests and diseases.
2. Cutting time. Spring cuttings in early March, summer cuttings in early June, and autumn cuttings in early September.
3. Cutting of cuttings. Use semi-lignified young branches or lignified current-year branches, cut into one leaf and one bud, with a length of about 3 to 4 cm, and the cut should be smooth.
4. Cutting treatment. After the cuttings are cut, attention should be paid to moisture retention, and they should be inserted as soon as possible after cutting. Before cutting, the cut should be treated with rooting agent to speed up rooting and improve the survival rate. The cutting depth should preferably be 3 cm, and the density should be 400 plants per sq m. After insertion, water thoroughly immediately, and spray the leaf surface with a mixed solution of carbendazim and anthracnose Fumei.
5. Management after cutting. After cutting, the seedbed should be checked frequently. The moisture content of the substrate should be maintained at about 60%, the air humidity in the greenhouse should preferably be maintained above 95%, and the temperature in the greenhouse should be controlled below 38°C. If the temperature is too high, mist should be sprayed to cool it down. From cutting until rooting and sprouting, shading is required.
After 15 days, some cuttings begin to root, and the moisture content of the substrate should be appropriately reduced, generally maintained at about 40%. When more than 50% of the cuttings begin to root, the film can be gradually opened for ventilation, and the shading light transmittance should be about 50%.
When all the cuttings have rooted and more than 50% have sprouted leaves, gradually remove the shade netting and film of the greenhouse and begin hardening the seedlings. Foliar fertilizer or low-concentration water-soluble chemical fertilizer can be sprayed to promote robust growth of the cuttings.
II. Cultivation and management techniques for Photinia × fraseri
1. Purchase of seedlings. When purchasing seedlings, choose a supplier with a good reputation and the ability to provide high-quality after-sales service, so as to ensure the purity of the variety and reduce production risks. Zhejiang Senhe Seed Industry Co., Ltd. is currently a relatively large company in China for developing Photinia × fraseri. Its seedling technology is leading, and the seedlings it provides are all high-quality container seedlings, with good product consistency and well-developed root systems. In particular, transplanting with substrate does not damage the roots, the survival rate is almost 100%, and growth after transplanting is rapid.
2. Selection and preparation of nursery land. The soil of the planting site should preferably be loose in texture, fertile, and slightly acidic to neutral, with convenient irrigation and good drainage. Before planting, apply 3000 kg of decomposed farmyard manure and 50 kg of superphosphate per mu, with a soil plowing depth of more than 25 cm, and at the same time apply insecticides to control underground pests. After plowing, level the soil, open drainage ditches, and make seedbeds with a bed surface width of about 1 m.
3. Transplanting of seedlings. The time for transplanting seedlings is generally March to April in spring and October to November in autumn, and should be determined according to local climatic conditions. The planting spacing should be determined according to the time retained in the nursery and the cultivation target. If the plan is to sell them as one-year-old small shrubs, a plant and row spacing of 35x35 cm or 40x40 cm is suitable, about 3000 plants per mu.
When transplanting seedlings, carefully remove the packaging or take off the nutritional pot, ensuring the root soil ball remains intact, and dig holes at fixed points; pile fine soil at the roots, spread the root system, and press gently. After planting, water thoroughly with settling water promptly.
4. Cultivation management. During the seedling recovery period after planting, special attention should be paid to water management. If there are consecutive sunny days, water once 3 to 4 days after transplanting, and then about once every 10 days; if there are consecutive rainy days, drain promptly. After about 15 days, once the seedlings have passed the recovery period, fertilizer can be applied. In spring, apply urea once every half month at about 5 kg per mu; in summer and autumn, apply compound fertilizer once every half month at 5 kg per mu; in winter, apply decomposed organic fertilizer once at 1500 kg per mu, preferably by trenching and burying. Fertilization should follow the principle of light fertilizer applied frequently, and the amount should not be too large at one time, so as not to damage the roots and burn the seedlings. Usually, weeds should be removed and the soil loosened promptly to prevent soil compaction.
5. Pest and disease control. Photinia × fraseri has relatively strong resistance, and no devastating pests or diseases have been found. However, if management is improper or the nursery environment is poor, gray mold, leaf spot or damage by scale insects may occur. Gray mold can be prevented by spraying 50% carbendazim at 1000 times dilution, and during the disease occurrence period, 50% zineb at 800 times dilution can be sprayed for control. Leaf spot can be controlled with 50% carbendazim at 300 to 400 times dilution or thiophanate at 300 to 400 times dilution. Scale insects can be sprayed with dimethoate emulsion at 200 times dilution or 800 to 1000 times dilution.