A Preliminary Study on the Climatic Argumentation and Regionalization of Oilseed Peony Cultivation in the Chongqing Area

Oilseed peony not only has ornamental value but also extremely high economic value. The cultivars currently used for cultivation are mainly two peony cultivars, Ziban and Fengdan. In recent years, the Chongqing area has carried out the introduction and cultivation of Ziban peony and Danfeng peony. In response to the climatic problems arising in the introduction and cultivation of oilseed peony, climatic suitability indicators for representative cultivars were established. Now let's take a look together.

1 Eco-climatic suitability of oilseed peony

Oilseed peony prefers a mild, cool environment with abundant sunshine and has a certain degree of cold tolerance. Its growth pattern is: sprouting in spring, dozing in summer, root growth in autumn, and dormancy in winter.

1.1 Temperature

Temperature is the dominant factor affecting the normal development of peony. Peony has a certain degree of cold tolerance. Winter temperatures mainly affect the sprouting of dormant buds and whether the dormancy of the flower primordium can be broken. High temperatures inhibit peony growth. High-temperature weather in summer leads to poor development of the reproductive organs of oilseed peony, blocked photosynthesis, a shortened growth period, reduced seed-setting rate, and reduced yield and quality. Factors such as accumulated temperature before flowering and accumulated temperature during the flowering period can all affect its flowering period. When temperature factors meet the growth conditions, peony can automatically break dormancy and resume growth. Taking an altitude of 800 m in the Chongqing area as an example, oilseed peony begins flower bud sprouting in early to mid-January, blooms from late March to mid-April, and the fruit matures in mid-July; from late July to late August it is in a semi-dormant period; from mid-September to mid-October the peony root system grows vigorously; from late October to mid-November the leaves turn yellow, form an abscission layer, and fall; in mid-December the plant stops growing and enters a relative dormant period, and by early January of the following year it begins to sprout and grow again, repeating the cycle.

1.2 Light

Peony has a relatively high light compensation point, a narrow range of effective radiant energy utilization, and high requirements for habitat light conditions. It has different requirements for light intensity and duration at different growth stages. Before budding, it requires no less than 3 h of sunshine; in the late budding stage, no less than 5 h of sunshine; and during the leaf expansion stage, 7 h.

1.3 Water

Oilseed peony is drought-tolerant and afraid of waterlogging. Generally, when there is no precipitation for more than 20 consecutive days, irrigation is needed. During continuous rainy weather, ditches should be cleared and drainage carried out in a timely manner to prevent root rot.

1.4 Soil

Soil requirements for planting oilseed peony: dry, sunny plots with deep soil layers, loose and fertile soil, irrigation conditions and good drainage, and sandy loam with a pH of 6.5-8.0. Try to avoid planting on clay land, low-lying waterlogged plots, or saline-alkali land.

2 Regionalization approach and methods

2.1 Determination of climatic regionalization indicators

The southward introduction of oilseed peony is mainly constrained by temperature and light conditions. Other meteorological factors such as ground temperature, precipitation, and diurnal temperature range also have certain effects on peony growth and development, but the effects are relatively small. Based on the biological characteristics and climatic suitability of peony growth in the introduction area, integrating the research results of introduction trials in various southern regions, and combining local introduction experience, temperature and sunshine indicators during key growth stages of oilseed peony were selected as indicators for its climatic-ecological adaptability regionalization. The specific indicators include the number of days with daily average temperature >=6 degC during the germination and sprouting period D germination and sprouting, the number of days with daily average temperature >=16 degC during the flowering period D flowering, the number of days with daily average temperature >=28 degC during the seed maturation period D seed maturation, and sunshine hours during the seed maturation period S, among other indicators (see Table 1).

Table 1 Climatic regionalization indicators for oilseed peony in Chongqing Municipality

2.2 Geographic model of regionalization indicators

The regionalization factors were spatially refined to carry out refined climatic suitability regionalization of oilseed peony. Interpolation and regression model establishment methods were respectively adopted, with GIS as the platform, to achieve refined spatial analysis of each regionalization factor. Using climate data and station geographic information, a spatial analysis model of temperature regionalization indicators was established. With the support of GIS, the values of regionalization indicator factors in areas without stations were estimated to meet the requirements for refining the climatic regionalization of oilseed peony. Meteorological data from 1981-2010 from 34 meteorological stations in Chongqing Municipality were collected, the regionalization factors of each station were calculated, and a mathematical model was established with geographic factors. The relationship model between regionalization factors and geographic factors can be expressed as:

In the formula, Y is the climatic regionalization factor, and alpha, beta, and gamma are the longitude, latitude, and altitude of the grid point. Mathematical statistics methods were used to establish a statistical model between climatic elements and geographic elements (see Table 2).

Table 2 Spatial simulation model of regionalization factors for oilseed peony planting

Note: The correlation test passed the a=0.01 test.

The F values of all equations in the table passed the 1% significance test and have relatively high credibility, and the regionalization factors have good correlations with geographic data such as longitude, latitude, and altitude. GIS software was used to extract grid data such as longitude, latitude, and altitude at a 1 km x 1 km grid from 1:250,000 basic geographic data. Geographic information data such as alpha, beta, and gamma were substituted into the calculation models for each climatic regionalization factor in the table to calculate the distribution map of model-calculated values for each regionalization factor on the kilometer grid. Arithmetic operations were performed using the measured values and estimated values of each station to obtain residual values, and the inverse distance weighting interpolation method was used, with the residual values of 34 meteorological stations as samples, to interpolate a kilometer-grid residual raster map. Finally, the residual raster map and the calculated regionalization indicator raster map were overlaid to obtain a 1 km x 1 km grid distribution map of temperature factor regionalization for oilseed peony in Chongqing. Sunshine hours are also affected by altitude and terrain. A regression equation was established between sunshine hours at each station and altitude and terrain factors, and it was found that the correlations between sunshine hours and altitude, slope, and aspect were all poor. Therefore, ordinary kriging interpolation was used to simulate sunshine in areas without stations. Because the kriging model is based on the stationary assumption, data deviating from a normal distribution need to be converted to an approximately normal distribution before interpolation calculation. Therefore, it has certain limitations for simulating sunshine in areas with undulating terrain. Since the purpose of selecting sunshine hours as a regionalization factor in this paper was to delineate areas unsuitable for oilseed peony planting and it was not used as an indicator for dividing suitable areas and sub-suitable areas, the ordinary kriging model was used for interpolation simulation. The obtained distribution maps of each regionalization factor are shown in Figures 1-4.

Figure 1 Distribution map of sunshine hours during the seed maturation period of oilseed peony

2.3 Regionalization results and regional assessment

By taking the intersection of each regionalization factor, assigning different colors to different regions, and overlaying boundaries, DEM, and creating legends, the climatic regionalization results for oilseed peony planting in Chongqing Municipality were obtained as shown in Figure 5.

1) The suitable area is mainly distributed in most areas of Liangping, Dianjiang, Shizhu, Nanchuan, Wulong, Fengjie, and other places. The altitude in this area is 600-1,000 m, and the annual average temperature is 16.5-17.5 degC. When the temperature from January to February reaches above 6 degC, the tips of the peony scale buds begin to sprout; the temperature during the flowering period remains above 16 degC, with no obvious late spring cold; during the seed maturation period the temperature is 27-28 degC, and the number of days with daily average temperature reaching 28 degC is 20-24 d, with basically no high-temperature drought damage. Entering August, when the temperature reaches about 26 degC, flower bud differentiation accelerates, and flower buds are basically formed in September-October. This region is not prone to winter freezing damage or summer high temperatures. Peony grows well, has a longer growth period, and has high seed yield.

2) The sub-suitable area is mainly distributed along the Yangtze River and areas to the north at altitudes of 300-600 m, including Fuling, Changshou, Fengdu, Zhongxian, Wanzhou, Tongnan, Tongliang, Yubei, Yongchuan, Rongchang, Kaixian, Yunyang, and other areas. The annual average temperature is 17.5-18.5 degC, and the average temperature during the germination and sprouting period is 7-8 degC, suitable for bud sprouting, swelling, and tip splitting. Calculating the daily average temperature when this region enters the seed maturation period, the number of days reaching 28 degC is 24-28 d. There are many days with daily average temperature reaching 28 degC in this area, and there is a risk of high-temperature drought damage. The August temperature is 27-28 degC, suitable for rapid flower bud differentiation, and flower buds are basically formed in September to mid-October.

Figure 2 Distribution map of days with daily average temperature >=6 degC during the seed germination and sprouting period of oilseed peony

Figure 3 Distribution map of days with daily average temperature >=16 degC during the flowering period of oilseed peony

Figure 4 Distribution map of days with daily average temperature >=28 degC during the seed maturation period of oilseed peony

Figure 5 Climatic suitability regionalization results for oilseed peony planting in Chongqing Municipality

3) The unsuitable area is mainly located in most of the southwestern part of western Chongqing Municipality, the southeastern part, and the higher-altitude areas toward the north and east in the northeastern part. In most of the southwestern part of the west, temperatures during the flowering period and seed maturation period of peony are relatively high, and the duration of suitable temperatures is too long, which may cause the flowering period to advance and the seed development and maturation time to shorten, affecting the seed-setting rate. In the high-altitude areas of the east, the annual average temperature is low, and low temperatures below -5 degC often occur. Peony is prone to freezing or even the death of the entire plant, so this region is not suitable for oilseed peony cultivation.

3 Production recommendations

Oilseed peony is a woody oil crop unique to China. It has the characteristics of drought tolerance, tolerance to barren soil, tolerance to severe cold, and strong adaptability, and its application prospects are very broad. To achieve high yield in peony, it is necessary to select suitable climate and soil, excellent cultivars for planting, and master advanced cultivation techniques. According to the results of climatic suitability regionalization, suitable regions can be selected step by step and in stages for planting, making full use of the climatic resources of the region to promote the successful introduction of oilseed peony and obtain stable high yields. For areas where meteorological disasters such as low winter temperatures and summer high-temperature heat damage still exist, protective measures should be taken in a timely manner according to local climatic conditions, and scientific planting should be carried out to reduce the harm of meteorological disasters. Only in this way can the high quality and high yield of oilseed peony be effectively ensured.

A Preliminary Study on the Causes of Decline and Death of Ancient and Famous Trees and Protection Measures

Ancient and famous trees refer to trees preserved from the course of human historical development that are of great age or have important scientific research, historical, or cultural value. According to the "National Technical Regulations for the General Survey and Archiving of Ancient and Famous Trees," ancient trees refer to trees aged over 100 years; famous trees refer to trees planted by Chinese and foreign historical figures or leaders who have had major influence in history or society, or trees with extremely important historical, cultural value, or commemorative significance. Ancient and famous trees are extremely precious plant resources in China and also outstanding cultural heritage, with high economic, ornamental, and research value. According to preliminary statistics from the Ministry of Construction, there are about 200,000 ancient trees over 100 years old in China, mostly distributed in urban areas, suburbs, and scenic spots, of which about 20% are ancient trees over 1,000 years old.

1. Main causes of decline and death of ancient and famous trees

In recent years, due to environmental pollution, the growing environment and conditions have become increasingly deteriorated, local attention has been insufficient, protection awareness is poor or funds are short, and combined with human destruction and the relatively advanced age of the trees themselves, many ancient and famous trees have long been on the edge of weak growth, and in severe cases have even died.

1.1 Aging of the trees themselves and weakened vitality

As tree age increases, the physiological functions of trees gradually decline, and the ability of the root system to absorb water and nutrients becomes worse and worse, unable to meet the needs of the aboveground parts. The physiological balance of the tree is lost, leading to the gradual withering and death of some branches. For example, the ancient pines in the two imperial tombs of Shenyang (the Eastern Tomb and the Northern Tomb) are dying at a rate of dozens per year due to aging.

1.2 Poor site conditions and small nutrient area

Some ancient trees are distributed on hills, slopes, cemeteries, cliffs, and other places, where the soil is poor, soil erosion is serious, and the nutrient area is small. As the tree body grows, the nutrients absorbed cannot maintain normal growth, and it is very easy to cause severe malnutrition, leading to weakness and even death.

1.3 Large paved area around tree trunks and deterioration of soil physical and chemical properties

In urban parks, visitors are dense and the ground is frequently trampled, causing soil compaction and poor aeration. In some cases, the paved area around tree trunks is too large, leaving only a very small tree pit, which affects gas exchange between aboveground and underground and places ancient trees in an environment with extremely poor air permeability. In addition, urban soil pollution is becoming increasingly serious. People discharge sewage indiscriminately, dump garbage indiscriminately, and pile cement, lime, cinders, and other materials indiscriminately, causing soil acidification and salinization and deteriorating physical and chemical properties, accelerating the aging of ancient trees.

1.4 Serious damage from pests, diseases, and rodents

Because ancient trees are old and their vigor is weakened, they are vulnerable to invasion by pests and diseases. Scale insects and longhorn beetles on pagoda trees, and pine caterpillars on Chinese pines, among others, cause relatively severe damage to ancient trees. In addition, gnawing of tree roots by rodents also accelerates their decline and death.

1.5 Human activities are an important factor harming ancient and famous trees

Apart from some causes of decline and death of ancient and famous trees that belong to mechanistic decline, most are caused by non-mechanistic reasons, among which human factors are important. For example, unreasonable logging, urban expansion, infrastructure improvement, and resident relocation affect the living space of ancient trees, and destructive activities such as random drawing, carving, and nailing on trees cause serious damage to the tree body.

2. Protection measures for ancient and famous trees

Protecting famous and ancient trees is of great significance for protecting the integrity of forest resources and natural landscapes, continuing the completeness of forest history and culture, carrying out scientific research on trees, promoting the development of tourism, carrying forward the national spirit, enhancing people's awareness of greening and the environment, and promoting the construction of socialist spiritual and material civilization. Measures for protecting ancient trees can be divided into technical measures and management measures.

2.1 Technical measures for protecting ancient and famous trees

2.1.1 Removing competing plants

In plant communities, different plants and different plant communities compete for light, water, nutrients, and aboveground and underground space. Therefore, trees, shrubs, and weeds growing under the canopy projection of ancient trees should be removed to ensure the nutrient space needed for the growth of ancient trees.

2.1.2 Improving the soil environment

(1) Drilling holes. Drill holes in compacted ground, or cover the ground under the canopy projection with shredded wood made of plant materials, to increase the soil's air permeability, water permeability, and water-holding capacity. After natural degradation, the shredded wood continuously supplies nutrients to ancient trees and is beneficial to the survival and activity of soil microorganisms.

(2) Soil replacement. Dig 0.5 m deep (be careful to cover exposed roots at any time with soaked straw bags), mix the original old soil evenly with sandy soil, leaf mold, manure, sawdust, and a small amount of chemical fertilizer, and then backfill it.

2.1.3 Strengthening water and fertilizer management for ancient and famous trees

(1) Irrigation. In April-May each spring, irrigate 2-3 times with thorough watering, and carry out winter irrigation in late November or early December. For ancient trees growing in low-lying sections, build drainage ditches and underground seepage pipe networks.

(2) Fertilization. Determine the type of fertilizer based on the analysis results of the soil around ancient trees, and fertilize according to the growth needs of ancient and famous trees. For relatively healthy ancient trees, mainly apply barnyard manure around the rhizosphere; for ancient trees with weaker vigor, mainly use liquid fertilizer by trunk injection.

(3) Planting nitrogen-fixing plants. Plant legumes such as alfalfa and white clover on the ground surface around ancient trees with relatively low foot traffic, creating site conditions with rich nutrients, suitable soil moisture content, and good soil aeration for strengthening ancient trees.

2.1.4 Carrying out pest and disease control for ancient trees

Ancient trees are susceptible to pest and disease damage. Due to the damage caused by early pests (such as leaf pests), water and nutrients are consumed, which easily weakens tree vigor. Once ancient trees become weakened, secondary pests such as bark beetles and longhorn beetles that bore into trunks take the opportunity to invade, destroying the tree's transport system and easily causing tree death. Therefore, prevention should be prioritized and integrated control should be carried out. Measures such as promoting and adopting low-toxicity, pollution-free biological pesticides, regular inspections, timely control, rational use of pesticides, attention to protecting natural enemies, and reducing environmental pollution should be used to carry out pest and disease control for ancient trees and enhance tree vigor.

2.2 Management measures for protecting ancient and famous trees

2.2.1 Establishing archives for ancient and famous trees

Comprehensively and systematically identify the resource distribution and growth status of ancient and famous trees. For confirmed ancient and famous trees, protection signs should be set up, protection ranges should be delineated, and protection measures should be formulated. Dynamic monitoring and management should be carried out on the ecological environment, growth and development status, and protection status of ancient trees.

2.2.2 Strengthening local legislation and protecting ancient and famous trees according to law

At present, China still does not have a dedicated legal rule for the protection of ancient and famous trees. Local governments at all levels should formulate local regulations for the protection of ancient and famous trees in accordance with the "Forest Law of the People's Republic of China" and the "Environmental Protection Law of the People's Republic of China," and implement measures for joint protection and management by professional maintenance departments, units, and individuals.

2.2.3 Opening multiple channels and increasing funding input for the protection of ancient and famous trees

At present, funding for the protection of ancient and famous trees has not yet been included in the fiscal budgets of governments at all levels. Insufficient funds prevent timely implementation of measures such as routine management, pest prevention, and fertilization for ancient trees. The protection of ancient and famous trees is a public welfare undertaking and must rely on the strength of the whole society.

2.2.4 Strengthening publicity and education and raising public awareness of protection

The protection of ancient and famous trees is a highly social task. Only by enhancing public awareness of protection, helping citizens understand the scientific value and cultural value of ancient and famous trees, and mobilizing the strength of the whole society to participate in the protection of ancient and famous trees can ancient trees be effectively protected.

2.2.5 Other measures

Regularly use aerial pesticide trucks to spray water to wash leaf surfaces and clean tree crowns, ensuring the normal respiratory function of tree leaves. Depending on specific circumstances, set up fencing protection, plug holes, repair, support, and install lightning protection devices for ancient trees.

A Preliminary Study on Business Risks of Bonsai Enterprises

        Bonsai is both an art and a commodity. As bonsai enterprises, they produce and operate living artistic commodities, with the goal of pursuing the highest business profit.
Like other types of enterprises, bonsai enterprises also have production and operation processes such as raw material procurement, production and processing, and product sales. They also need to use "systematic management" theory to carry out "systematic control" of the production and operation process, so as to obtain higher benefits at lower cost. Therefore, bonsai enterprises will also face business risk issues from various aspects. Therefore, how to reduce business risks has become a strategic issue that bonsai entrepreneurs need to consider first.
I. Manifestations and causes of business risks of bonsai enterprises
Risk is everywhere. Where there is business, there is risk. However, for bonsai enterprises that produce special commodities, the manifestations of their business risks also have their own particularity.
1. Cultivar risk
Cultivar risk is the risk brought by cultivar misidentification. Bonsai plants are the most important raw materials for enterprise production. Different plants have greatly different characteristics, while similar plants (mostly plants in the same family) have greatly similar characteristics. The production cycle of bonsai is long and imposes many special requirements on certain characteristics of plant cultivars. Once identification is mistaken, it brings great risk to bonsai enterprises.
2. Structural risk
Structural risk is the risk brought by an unreasonable product structure. There are many plants that can be used to make bonsai. In addition to traditional bonsai plants, more and more new plants are being developed and utilized one after another. Because of the diversity of plant cultivars and the differences in characteristics among different plants, bonsai products are determined to have different styles, forms, and future market scope and space. Once some cultivars sell poorly or are eliminated, long-term cultivation will be wasted.
In addition to cultivar structure, bonsai style structure, fast- and slow-forming structure, and trunk volume structure, among others, may also bring risks if improperly arranged.
3. Loss risk
Loss risk is the risk brought by product loss. Where there is business, there is loss, but loss should be controlled within a reasonable range. Beyond a certain range, there will be risk.
The tangible losses in bonsai production are divided into two major categories: defect loss and death loss.
Defect loss refers to damage to certain key parts of bonsai caused by improper management or unexpected circumstances. Most can be repaired, but the maintenance time is prolonged, maintenance costs are increased, and ornamental value is reduced. Some irreparable damage is equivalent to the death of the bonsai.
Death loss refers to the death of bonsai caused by improper management or unexpected circumstances. Because the production cycle of bonsai is generally long, especially for nearly formed or finished bonsai, once death occurs the loss is generally very large.
The intangible losses in bonsai production mainly include two aspects: prolonged production cycle and reduced bonsai quality caused by improper maintenance and management. From an invisible perspective, this is also a kind of loss.
4. Quality risk
Quality risk is the risk brought by product quality problems. The quality of bonsai products depends on the quality of the original trunk material and the quality of later maintenance and styling.
As long as the standards for identifying and appreciating trunk material are grasped well, there will not be major problems with innate quality, and even if there are some problems, the loss is not large. However, acquired quality involves maintenance techniques, styling techniques, combination techniques, and integrated artistic content, and involves many fields and disciplines. Therefore, the requirements are relatively high, mastery is relatively difficult, and hidden problems are likely to occur. If problems occur, it is equivalent to lowering the price, prolonging the time, increasing the cost, and narrowing the market, producing some or even a batch of inferior products that might otherwise have become fine works, wasting a large amount of manpower, material resources, and precious time. The loss is incalculable. Therefore, quality control is the key to risk control.
5. Natural risk
Natural risk is the risk brought by non-human factors of nature but which can be controlled by humans. Bonsai production is highly dependent on the natural environment, which is determined by the plant characteristics of bonsai. On the one hand, a normal environment allows plants to grow smoothly; on the other hand, abrupt changes in the environment bring catastrophic damage to plants. Natural risks include weather disasters and pests and diseases.
Weather disasters mainly include: exposure to strong sunlight, gales, rainstorms, frost and snow, freezing, hail, typhoons, severe storms, mountain floods, waterlogging, landslides, and so on. Due to improper site selection or untimely prevention, bonsai gardens may be hit and suffer major losses.
Pests and diseases mainly refer to various diseases and insect pests. In addition to traditional pests and diseases, with the continuous deterioration of the ecological environment, new pests and diseases continue to appear. They harm plants, slow plant growth, and even cause death.
6. Market risk
Market risk is the risk brought by uncertain market factors. The tide of commerce is like the sea, boundless and endless; commercial battles are like smoke, cruel and fierce. Bonsai enterprises must fully predict and grasp the product market, especially the medium- and long-term future market. Otherwise, products produced over a long period may lose competitiveness by the time they reach the market, bringing great risk.
The level of market risk mainly depends on the levels of cultivar risk, structural risk, and quality risk. Therefore, to reduce market risk, the prevention of the above risks must be done well.
The prediction and grasp of the future market mainly involve a large amount of investigation, research, and analysis of the current market. At the macro level, it is necessary to grasp the current situation and development trends of bonsai nationwide and even globally; at the micro level, it is necessary to analyze the future adaptability and scope of a certain region, a certain cultivar, or a certain bonsai form and structure.
The main uncertain factors in the market include: per capita economic affordability, per capita cultural and artistic level, regional traditional cultural trends, the degree of popularization of bonsai culture, the adaptability of bonsai cultivars and volumes, the saturation of the bonsai market, and the production scale of the same industry, among others. They are affecting the bonsai market at all times. Because it is constantly changing and uncertain, if it is not grasped well, risk may occur.
7. Management risk
Management risk is the risk brought to business operations by the quality of human management activities. Management controls the entire process of enterprise production and operation. The quality of management has a great impact on business risk. The higher the management quality, the smaller the risk.
Management risk comes from management links and production processes. It comes not only from management links such as personnel management, labor management, production management, equipment management, and sales market management, but also from production and operation processes such as raw material procurement, production and processing, daily maintenance and styling, product packaging, market development, and after-sales service. It comes both from inside the enterprise and from outside the enterprise.
From the perspective of external management, the continuous standardization of bonsai industry management brings potential risks to the currently non-standardized bonsai business. Requirements in aspects such as resource acquisition, raw material quarantine, business transportation, product quarantine, and business licensing are becoming higher and higher. Enterprises must be familiar with these regulations and implement them in management in order to reduce external industry management risks.
From the perspective of internal management, although risks come from various management links and business processes, the most important is still the management of people and mechanisms. Only by establishing and implementing a complete, scientific, and efficient management system or institution can internal management risks be fundamentally reduced.
II. Prevention and control of business risks of bonsai enterprises
Risk inevitably exists, but it can also be controlled. Operators must take a long-term view, start from details, grasp the current situation of the industry, and discern market changes. They should have "foresight" to predict future trends and use "extraordinary courage and insight" to formulate and continuously revise business strategies.
1. Build on advantageous cultivars and adjust product structure
Bonsai enterprises must pay full attention to this point. They should conduct analysis and research by combining multiple factors such as enterprise advantages, regional advantages, resource advantages, talent advantages, and market advantages, and formulate a scientific and reasonable product structure in order to resist future market risks.
Product structure adjustment means arranging different types of products on the basis of "specialized operation" of advantageous projects and "characteristic operation" based on local advantageous cultivars, so that the distribution of different products is more reasonable.
(1) Cultivar structure: the ratio relationship of bonsai of different plant species in the total bonsai. Because traditional humanistic ideas differ, requirements for bonsai plant cultivars differ. If the operated cultivars are too single, the market will be limited. Therefore, in terms of quantity, advantageous, traditional, and in-demand cultivars should be slightly more, while general, reserve, and supporting cultivars should be slightly fewer. However, advantageous or general cultivars will transform into each other in different periods, and the structure should also be adjusted accordingly.
(2) Style structure: the ratio relationship of bonsai of different styles in the total bonsai. There are many bonsai styles, and they are constantly being innovated. Different consumer groups have different preferences for bonsai styles. If the style is too single, sales will be risky. At present, there are too many tree-trunk bonsai with one tree in one pot. They are not only expensive but also bulky, making it difficult for them to enter ordinary households. However, flexible and small desk bonsai, combination bonsai, landscape bonsai, miniature bonsai, and gift bonsai are very popular.
(3) Fast- and slow-forming structure: the ratio relationship of bonsai with different formation times in the total bonsai. Bonsai resources are all different, and formation times vary from fast to slow. Fast-forming bonsai have a short production cycle, less advanced cost, lower product prices, and relatively lower artistic content, and are suitable for a large number of ordinary consumers. Slow-forming bonsai have a long production cycle, more advanced cost, higher product prices, and relatively higher artistic content, and are suitable for a limited number of collector consumers. From the perspective of resource source channels, generally speaking, collected mountain trunks form slowly, while self-cultivated materials form quickly. Therefore, if the relationship between "mountain trunk materials" and "self-cultivated materials" is handled well, the fast- and slow-forming structure is also grasped well.
(4) Volume structure: the ratio relationship of bonsai of different volumes in the total bonsai. The innate conditions of the materials determine whether bonsai volume is large or small. According to the currently not very strict classification standards, there are large, medium, small, and miniature types. Bonsai of different volumes have different uses. Large and medium-sized bonsai are mainly used for placement in gardens, streets, villas, public lobbies, bonsai gardens, and other sites, and the market space is relatively narrow. Small and medium-sized bonsai are mainly used for viewing by units and families, and the market space is relatively broad. Therefore, bonsai enterprises should mainly focus on small and medium-sized bonsai.
(5) Ornamental structure: the ratio relationship of bonsai with different ornamental styles in the total bonsai. The miraculous natural world provides us with strange and varied plants, and different plants can be made into bonsai with different ornamental styles. At present, there are mainly flower-viewing bonsai, foliage-viewing bonsai, fruit-viewing bonsai, trunk-viewing bonsai, root-nodule bonsai, fungal bonsai, composite bonsai, and so on. Many bonsai have multiple ornamental styles. Bonsai enterprises should not only study the characteristics of different plants but also explore the consumer psychological needs of different regions and different groups, and handle the ornamental structure purposefully.
2. Improve production techniques and increase artistic content
Quality is the life of an enterprise. The quality of bonsai products depends on material quality, maintenance quality, styling quality, combination quality, and the artistic content condensed in the product. The level of these qualities depends on the maker's comprehensive qualities and artistic orientation. Therefore, the demand of bonsai enterprises for technical talent appears very urgent and crucial.
First, production concepts must be changed. Many people believe that bonsai production is just "hairdressing" work of tying, pulling, pruning, and trimming, and that the work is not very difficult. In fact, this idea is extremely harmful. Behind seemingly simple work, there is a large amount of knowledge, skill, experience, concepts, culture, and artistic taste supporting it, and many viewpoints are constantly updated with changes of the times. Its production foundation is broad and profound. Our bonsai artists strive for it throughout their lives and still have many reflections, which is enough to show that bonsai production is not an easy matter.
Second, strict control must be exercised over the hiring of technical personnel. Bonsai created by different makers differ greatly in taste. People without professional skills, occupational qualifications, innovative thinking and a relatively high level of artistic accomplishment should be employed with caution; otherwise, it will be very difficult to raise the grade of the products. This point is crucial.
Third, learning and training must be strengthened. Things are always in a state of constant development and change.
The technical means and artistic concepts closely related to bonsai creation are also constantly changing with the development of the times. Learning and training must be treated as a major matter and pursued persistently. We must broaden our horizons and keep closely abreast of the situation. We must often go out and take a look; seeing once is better than hearing a hundred times. We must frequently observe bonsai exhibitions and demonstrations. We must frequently read professional newspapers, magazines and books. Otherwise, we may fall behind or be eliminated.
3. Have farsighted awareness and cultivate an innovative spirit
The production cycle of bonsai is relatively long, which requires operators to have "farsighted awareness." If you always follow others and imitate what others do, by the time you finally produce a product, it is very likely already outdated or eliminated. Bonsai enterprises, like other enterprises, regard innovation as the soul of the enterprise. Only in terms
of species, styles, structure, quality, management mechanisms and other aspects, can one be original and continuously innovate to occupy an industry advantage and seize the initiative in the market.
4. Standardize maintenance procedures and strengthen management systems
Standardized working procedures and scientific management systems are important hallmarks of modern enterprises and are also the inevitable choice for bonsai enterprises in market-oriented operation.
Standardization is the prerequisite. Bonsai enterprises should, for every link in the production process, formulate detailed, comprehensive and scientific working procedures according to the different requirements of production, maintenance and creation, and apply them to daily work. Only then can they avoid "attending to one thing and losing sight of another," and work efficiency can be greatly improved. Divided by links, the working procedures for stump bonsai include: stump procurement and heeling-in, stump planting and management, semi-finished product maintenance and management, finished product maintenance and management, sales and market management, etc. The working procedures for self-cultivated bonsai include: seedling procurement and cultivation, young seedling planting and management, semi-finished product maintenance and management, finished product maintenance and management, sales and market management, etc.
Systems are the guarantee. Systems are an important part of the modern enterprise mechanism. If systems are lacking, the enterprise's production and operation will have no rules to follow, leading to problems such as low efficiency, excessive losses, unclear responsibilities, unclear rewards and punishments, and lax discipline, which will have a serious impact on the enterprise's production and operation. The basic systems of a bonsai enterprise include: equipment management, materials management, environmental management, water and fertilizer management, financial management, labor management, personnel management, etc. In addition, post responsibilities should be established according to different positions, and labor production quotas should be established according to different production conditions.
5. Increase basic investment and improve operating efficiency
Bonsai production is particular and has special requirements for dependence on basic means of production. In the short term, basic investment increases costs, but in the long term, it helps reduce costs and improve efficiency and benefits. If the necessary investment is not in place, it will reduce production efficiency, prolong maintenance time, increase product losses and expand operating costs. If a serious disaster year occurs, the enterprise may even be destroyed overnight. The basic investment of an enterprise includes:
(1) Operating water source: including the introduction of natural water sources, backup water wells, elevated water tanks, inlet and outlet pipelines, water supply and drainage facilities, irrigation operation pipelines, etc., which must meet the basic requirements for defending against severe drought or waterlogging.
(2) Operating power source: including commercial power, self-provided power, power distribution facilities, power supply lines, etc., meeting the requirement of uninterrupted power supply for 24 hours.
(3) Operating roads: it is necessary to ensure that ordinary trucks can enter and leave the maintenance site, and that production tool vehicles can reach the fields to carry out operations.
(4) Production tools and materials: ensure that the basic tools and materials for bonsai production are complete and effective.
(5) Production facilities: including freeze-proof greenhouses, sun-proof shade sheds, rain-proof sheds, standard nurseries, standard stump nurseries, standard display stands and finished product gardens, etc.
(6) Necessary office, transportation, communication facilities and buildings.
6. Establish market awareness and build a bonsai brand
Modern enterprises must have modern awareness. Aiming at the market and building a brand is the inevitable path that bonsai entrepreneurs must take to achieve success.
(1) Expand product publicity. "Even good wine fears a deep alley." No matter how good a product is, if it is not publicized, others will not know about it. There are many methods for bonsai enterprise publicity, such as media advertising, participating in bonsai exhibitions, inviting people to observe demonstrations, participating in large-scale events, social welfare donations, etc.
(2) Participate in market competition. Where there is a market, there will be competition; only with competition can there be development. In the "brand" strategy, it is necessary to create a brand, register a brand, make the brand famous and optimize the brand; in the "price" strategy, it is necessary to study consumers' economic affordability and win with low prices; in the "marketing" strategy, it is necessary to take the initiative and turn passivity into initiative; in the "service" strategy, it is necessary to grasp full-process service, follow-up service and commitment service well.
(3) Actively seek exports. China is the country with the earliest origin of bonsai and is hailed as the "father of bonsai"; China is "vast in territory and rich in resources," and its bonsai resources are exceptionally abundant. These are the two major advantages of Chinese bonsai. As the process of global trade integration continues to accelerate, our foreign exchanges and trade are also becoming increasingly frequent, and the influence of Chinese bonsai in the world will certainly grow greater and greater. Bonsai enterprises should seize the opportunity and actively seek exports.
7. Unite, interact and complement one another, and operate flexibly
Union can integrate enterprise advantages, optimize resource allocation and improve competitiveness. China currently has a very large number of bonsai enterprises, but there are problems such as small operating scale, scattered bonsai resources, low product grade and weak competitiveness. For bonsai enterprises to become bigger and stronger, union is a shortcut. The main forms of union for bonsai enterprises are horizontal cooperation and vertical merger.
Horizontal cooperation is a form of union reached by bonsai enterprises through agreement to form a production and operation alliance without changing enterprise property rights. Its advantages are low union cost, convenient resource exchange, product interconnection and information sharing, complementary sales markets and enterprise advantages, and greatly enhanced competitiveness. Its disadvantage is that cooperative credit is not easy to grasp and disputes are likely to arise.
Vertical merger is a form of union reached by bonsai enterprises through agreement that changes production and operation management rights and enterprise property rights. Its advantages are more effective production and operation management, and optimal allocation of advantages and resources. Its disadvantage is higher union cost.
Bonsai enterprises can explore in a planned way a development path of partial cooperation and partial merger, and cooperation first followed by merger.
In addition to the union model, flexible operation methods are also an effective means of reducing risk.
Bonsai has a long production cycle and slow results. Bonsai enterprises should have the development ideas of "using the garden to support the garden," "using the short-term to support the long-term" and "using side businesses to support the main business," and seek rolling development.
Bonsai production is inseparable from planting and collecting. Therefore, in the enterprise's early stage, according to the enterprise's own resource conditions, it can be combined with projects such as operating flowers, nursery stock, trees, fruit trees, specialty agricultural products, landscape stones, pot art, antique collectibles and greening projects to carry out guided development and interactive development. In the operation of bonsai, flowers and nursery stock, selling and renting can be combined, which both expands market space and publicizes the enterprise and its products, so that the two complement each other.

In short, development is the most effective way to reduce operating risk, and development is the absolute truth. Only by continuously developing in operation can an enterprise have the ability to resist various risks.