A Detailed Guide to Propagation and Cultivation Techniques and Pest and Disease Control Methods for the Fragrant Black Locust
The fragrant black locust, also known as the wealth tree, is native to Spain and is a deciduous tree of the Fabaceae (legume) family with pea-like flowers. The double-season locust is rich in the elegance of garden woody flowering plants and has high ornamental value; it is capable of purifying the ecological environment and has high environmental value; it has wide uses and high economic value, truly deserving its name as the wealth tree, and is called the green gold variety of the 21st century.
1 Biological Characteristics
The fragrant black locust is a tree of the Fabaceae family with pea-like flowers, with a tree height of 10-12 m. The trunk is tall, straight and upright, with sparse branches and long internodes, and the bark is grayish-brown to brown. The leaves are alternate, 17-19 in number, pinnately compound, elliptical to ovate, with smooth, bright green leaf surfaces, larger than those of the black locust. It blooms from May to August, and in southern China it can bloom continuously in spring, summer and autumn. The inflorescences are axillary, densely forming raceme-like clusters, drooping, 8-12 cm long, with individual flowers nearly 10 cm across. The flowers are large, beautiful in shape, long in flowering period, abundant in number and pleasantly fragrant. The fragrant black locust likes a good environment with ample sunlight and air circulation, and can also withstand severe cold of -25 to -28 degrees C. In China, except for Heilongjiang, it grows well from coastal plains to high mountains at an altitude of 2100 m, regardless of neutral, acidic or slightly alkaline soil. Its adaptability, ease of growth (both root segments and branches can be used for propagation), fast growth (seedlings can reach up to 2 m in the same year), regenerative capacity (roots buried in the first year form seedlings, and multiple young plants can emerge the next year), and its economic and ecological values as an excellent nectar and pollen source, ornamental plant, greening tree, sand binder and soil conserver determine its broad development prospects.
2 Propagation Techniques
The fragrant black locust flowers but does not set fruit, and has no seeds for propagation, so it can only be propagated asexually by burying root segments, inserting branches or grafting.
2.1 Root Burial Propagation
This is the most important and most commonly used propagation method, with a survival rate of 85%-95%.
2.1.1 Seed root preparation. After the fragrant black locust sheds its leaves and before it sprouts in spring, the seed roots can be introduced, and before planting they should be stored buried in sand, with good control of the sand moisture, so that the root segments neither dehydrate and dry out nor become moldy and rot from too much moisture. Select 1-2 year old main and lateral roots of the fragrant black locust, preferably 0.5-1.0 cm in diameter. Cut the lateral roots at 20-30 cm, and the amount of root cut should not exceed 1/2 of the lateral roots, so as not to affect the normal growth and flowering of the plant.
2.1.2 Land preparation and seedling raising. Choose sandy loam with deep soil, flat terrain, convenient irrigation and drainage, and no sources of pest and disease infection for the seedling bed. In early April, take out the roots, cut them into 5-7 cm root segments, open furrows along the beds, with a plant spacing and row spacing generally set at 20 cm x 30 cm, then place the root segments flat in the furrows, cover with 3 cm of fine sandy soil, water thoroughly to settle the roots, and seedlings will emerge in 20 d.
2.1.3 Seedling management. Water promptly after emergence, and pay attention to drainage during continuous rainy weather. During the seedling stage, weed promptly and remove lateral buds. When removing buds, pay special attention: keep only 1 strong bud on each root segment, loosen the surface soil shallowly, and be sure not to damage the tender, weak, short roots. Control pests and diseases promptly, apply fertilizer in appropriate amounts, and in prolonged drought use clear manure water to resist drought while also applying topdressing to promote strong seedling growth.
2.1.4 Transplanting and management. The seedlings are transplanted and planted after leaf fall in late autumn of the same year or before sprouting in the following spring. Dig holes and apply fertilizer according to the plan; after planting, fill with soil and firm it, water thoroughly to settle the roots, and the survival rate is generally over 95%. After autumn, the tree height can reach 2-3 m, with a diameter at breast height of 3-5 cm, and it blooms in the second year. The fragrant black locust has a tall, upright trunk, an open crown, a beautiful tree shape, brilliant flowers and striking fragrance.
2.2 Branch Cutting Propagation
(1) The cutting time is the same as for root burial seedling raising. (2) Select lignified hard branches 8-20 mm in diameter and cut them into 15 cm long cuttings; cut the upper end flat, 1-2 cm from the bud, and cut the lower end at a 45 degree slant, 5 mm from the bud, soak the lower end in 50 mg/kg rooting powder solution (or treat the roots with "920") for 3-4 h, then take them out for later use. (3) Land preparation requirements are the same as above. After preparation, choose 70 cm wide plastic film, lay flat film with a ridge width of 60 cm and a ridge spacing of 30 cm, and insert the branches into the film at a 45 degree angle at a plant spacing and row spacing of 20 cm x 20 cm; build 1 small arched frame every 2 ridges to increase temperature and preserve moisture. (4) After emergence, promptly expose the seedlings and cover the soil, and maintain the temperature and humidity of the bed soil; in high temperatures, open both sides of the shed film for ventilation and cooling; remove lateral buds and strengthen fertilizer and water management. The cuttings can grow to more than 1-1.5 m in the same year.
3 Cultivation Management
The fragrant black locust prefers a warm and humid climate and an environment with ample sunlight and good ventilation. For soil, it prefers moist, well-drained, deep and loose neutral soil, and can also adapt to slightly acidic or slightly alkaline soil. The fragrant black locust is cold-resistant and drought-resistant, able to withstand low temperatures of -25 to -28 degrees C, and can be cultivated in the open field in northern China. Cultivation management is relatively extensive, and the main task is good seedling-stage management.
When the seedlings grow 4-5 leaves, weeds should be pulled by hand; when the seedlings reach 40 cm, herbicides can be used. Generally, lateral buds (shoots) should be pinched off before they reach 3 cm, so as not to affect seedling growth and straightness. When they reach about 60 cm, prevent lodging caused by strong winds, and use inserted sticks and binding to prevent it. Fertilize when the seedlings are over 50 cm, scattering urea or diammonium before rain. Fertilize once every 20 d.
4 Pest and Disease Control
Before planting the seed roots of the fragrant black locust, control underground pests by spraying with 40% methyl parathion 1000 times solution; seedlings of the fragrant black locust should be protected from locusts or grasshoppers eating the trunk and tender leaves; in summer, pay attention to controlling black aphids on the shoot tips and tender leaf parts of the fragrant black locust, commonly spraying with 50% phoxim emulsifiable concentrate or 40% omethoate emulsifiable concentrate 1500-2000 times solution; around early autumn, the root and trunk parts of the fragrant black locust are prone to rot disease or nematode feeding, and should be irrigated with 50% thiophanate-methyl wettable powder 500 times solution and 50% phoxim emulsifiable concentrate 1000 times solution for control.
Propagation and Cultivation Techniques of the Fragrant Black Locust
The fragrant black locust, also known as the wealth tree, is a rare excellent tree species that serves as a summer and autumn nectar and pollen source and also has ornamental, greening, soil-conserving and sand-binding uses. Since its introduction and trial planting from abroad several years ago, it has developed rapidly.
I. Biological Characteristics of the Fragrant Black Locust
The fragrant black locust is a tree of the Fabaceae family with pea-like flowers, with a tree height of 10-12 m. The trunk is tall, straight and upright, with sparse branches and long internodes, and the bark is grayish-brown to brown. The leaves are alternate, 17-19 in number, pinnately compound, elliptical to ovate, with smooth, bright green leaf surfaces, larger than those of the black locust. It blooms from May to August, and in southern China it can bloom continuously in spring, summer and autumn. The raceme-like inflorescences are axillary and drooping, 8-12 cm long, with individual flowers nearly 10 cm across. As local beekeepers summed up, “the flowers are large, abundant, beautiful in shape, long in flowering period, striking in fragrance and rich in nectar and pollen, making it a high-quality nectar and pollen source for stationary beekeeping.”
The fragrant black locust likes a good environment with ample sunlight and air circulation, and can also withstand severe cold of minus 25-28 degrees C. In China, except for Heilongjiang, it can grow well from coastal plains to high mountains at an altitude of 2100 m, regardless of neutral, acidic or slightly alkaline soil. Its adaptability, ease of growth (both root segments and branches can be used for propagation), fast growth (seedlings can reach up to 2 m in the same year), regenerative capacity (roots buried in the first year form seedlings, and multiple young plants can emerge the next year), and its economic and ecological values as a high-quality nectar and pollen source, ornamental plant, greening tree, sand binder and soil conserver determine its broad development prospects.
II. Propagation Techniques of the Fragrant Black Locust
The fragrant black locust has good flowers but does not form pods, and has no seeds for propagation, so it can only be propagated asexually by burying root segments, inserting branches or grafting.
1. Root burial propagation. This is the most important propagation method, with a survival rate of 85%-90%.
(1) Seed root preparation: After the fragrant black locust sheds its leaves, the seed roots can be introduced, and before planting they should be stored buried in sand, with good control of the sand moisture, so that the root segments neither dehydrate and dry out nor become moldy and rot from too much moisture.
(2) Land preparation: For seedling raising, it is best to choose sandy loam with deep soil, flat terrain, convenient irrigation and drainage, and no sources of pest and disease infection. Apply 2500 kg of livestock and poultry manure per 667 sq m, or apply 50 kg of phosphate fertilizer and diammonium as base fertilizer; use insecticides such as carbofuran to kill underground pests. The land should be deep-plowed, finely prepared and leveled, with a bed width of about 1 m.
(3) Seedling raising: The seedling raising time is early to mid-March in the south, and late March to early April in the north. Select 1-2 year old smooth root segments 5-10 mm in diameter with no traces of pests or diseases, and cut them into 5-7 cm lengths for later use. Open furrows along the beds, with a furrow spacing of 50 cm and a depth of 5 cm, then place the root segments flat in the furrows at a plant spacing of 30 cm, cover with fine sandy soil, water thoroughly to settle the roots, cover well with plastic film, and seedlings will emerge in about one month.
(4) Seedling management: After emergence, promptly remove the film and water; if there is continuous rainy weather, pay attention to drainage. During the seedling stage, weed promptly, remove lateral buds, and loosen the surface soil shallowly, being sure not to damage the tender, weak, short roots. Control pests and diseases at the right time, apply fertilizer in appropriate amounts, and in prolonged drought use clear manure water to resist drought while also applying topdressing to promote strong seedling growth.
(5) Transplanting and management: Fragrant black locust seedlings are transplanted and planted after leaf fall in late autumn of the same year or before sprouting in the following spring. Dig holes and apply base fertilizer according to the plan; after planting, fill with soil and firm it, water thoroughly to settle the roots, and the survival rate is generally over 95%. After autumn, the tree height can reach 2-3 m, with a diameter at breast height of 3-5 cm. It blooms in the second year, with brilliant flowers and striking fragrance, and together with its open tree shape and graceful posture, it is very endearing.
2. Branch cuttings.
(1) The cutting time is the same as for root burial seedling raising, or it can be slightly earlier.
(2) Select lignified hard branches 8-20 mm in diameter and cut them into 15 cm long cuttings. Cut the upper end flat, 1-2 cm from the bud, and cut the lower end at a 45 degree slant, 5 mm from the bud. Separate the upper and lower ends and bundle them 50 per bundle, soak the lower end in 50 mg/kg rooting powder solution for 3-4 hours, then take them out for later use.
(3) Land preparation requirements are the same as above. Insert the branches into the soil at a 45 degree angle at a plant spacing and row spacing of 20 cm × 40 cm, and cover with plastic film along the beds.
(4) Seedling management: After emergence, promptly make holes, expose the seedlings and cover the soil, maintain the temperature and humidity of the bed soil, remove the plastic film before high temperatures, remove lateral buds, and strengthen fertilizer and water management. The cuttings can grow to more than 2 m in the same year.
The later management of the fragrant black locust is simple and the production cost is very low. It is suitable for large-scale establishment for stationary beekeeping, garden ornament, windbreak and sand fixation, and soil and water conservation, with quick results.
Propagation and Cultivation Techniques of the Fragrant Black Locust
News from the China Landscape Network on July 6: The fragrant black locust, also known as the wealth tree, is a rare excellent tree species that serves as a summer and autumn nectar and pollen source and also has ornamental, greening, soil-conserving and sand-binding uses. Since its introduction and trial planting from abroad several years ago, it has developed rapidly.
I. Biological Characteristics of the Fragrant Black Locust
The fragrant black locust is a tree of the Fabaceae family with pea-like flowers, with a tree height of 10-12 m. The trunk is tall, straight and upright, with sparse branches and long internodes, and the bark is grayish-brown to brown. The leaves are alternate, 17-19 in number, pinnately compound, elliptical to ovate, with smooth, bright green leaf surfaces, larger than those of the black locust. It blooms from May to August, and in southern China it can bloom continuously in spring, summer and autumn. The raceme-like inflorescences are axillary and drooping, 8-12 cm long, with individual flowers nearly 10 cm across. As local beekeepers summed up, “the flowers are large, abundant, beautiful in shape, long in flowering period, striking in fragrance and rich in nectar and pollen, making it a high-quality nectar and pollen source for stationary beekeeping.”
The fragrant black locust likes a good environment with ample sunlight and air circulation, and can also withstand severe cold of minus 25-28 degrees C. In China, except for Heilongjiang, it can grow well from coastal plains to high mountains at an altitude of 2100 m, regardless of neutral, acidic or slightly alkaline soil. Its adaptability, ease of growth (both root segments and branches can be used for propagation), fast growth (seedlings can reach up to 2 m in the same year), regenerative capacity (roots buried in the first year form seedlings, and multiple young plants can emerge the next year), and its economic and ecological values as a high-quality nectar and pollen source, ornamental plant, greening tree, sand binder and soil conserver determine its broad development prospects.
II. Propagation Techniques of the Fragrant Black Locust
The fragrant black locust has good flowers but does not form pods, and has no seeds for propagation, so it can only be propagated asexually by burying root segments, inserting branches or grafting.
1. Root burial propagation. This is the most important propagation method, with a survival rate of 85%-90%.
(1) Seed root preparation: After the fragrant black locust sheds its leaves, the seed roots can be introduced, and before planting they should be stored buried in sand, with good control of the sand moisture, so that the root segments neither dehydrate and dry out nor become moldy and rot from too much moisture.
(2) Land preparation: For seedling raising, it is best to choose sandy loam with deep soil, flat terrain, convenient irrigation and drainage, and no sources of pest and disease infection. Apply 2500 kg of livestock and poultry manure per 667 sq m, or apply 50 kg of phosphate fertilizer and diammonium as base fertilizer; use insecticides such as carbofuran to kill underground pests. The land should be deep-plowed, finely prepared and leveled, with a bed width of about 1 m.
(3) Seedling raising: The seedling raising time is early to mid-March in the south, and late March to early April in the north. Select 1-2 year old smooth root segments 5-10 mm in diameter with no traces of pests or diseases, and cut them into 5-7 cm lengths for later use. Open furrows along the beds, with a furrow spacing of 50 cm and a depth of 5 cm, then place the root segments flat in the furrows at a plant spacing of 30 cm, cover with fine sandy soil, water thoroughly to settle the roots, cover well with plastic film, and seedlings will emerge in about one month.
(4) Seedling management: After emergence, promptly remove the film and water; if there is continuous rainy weather, pay attention to drainage. During the seedling stage, weed promptly, remove lateral buds, and loosen the surface soil shallowly, being sure not to damage the tender, weak, short roots. Control pests and diseases at the right time, apply fertilizer in appropriate amounts, and in prolonged drought use clear manure water to resist drought while also applying topdressing to promote strong seedling growth.
(5) Transplanting and management: Fragrant black locust seedlings are transplanted and planted after leaf fall in late autumn of the same year or before sprouting in the following spring. Dig holes and apply base fertilizer according to the plan; after planting, fill with soil and firm it, water thoroughly to settle the roots, and the survival rate is generally over 95%. After autumn, the tree height can reach 2-3 m, with a diameter at breast height of 3-5 cm. It blooms in the second year, with brilliant flowers and striking fragrance, and together with its open tree shape and graceful posture, it is very endearing.
2. Branch cuttings.
(1) The cutting time is the same as for root burial seedling raising, or it can be slightly earlier.
(2) Select lignified hard branches 8-20 mm in diameter and cut them into 15 cm long cuttings. Cut the upper end flat, 1-2 cm from the bud, and cut the lower end at a 45 degree slant, 5 mm from the bud. Separate the upper and lower ends and bundle them 50 per bundle, soak the lower end in 50 mg/kg rooting powder solution for 3-4 hours, then take them out for later use.
(3) Land preparation requirements are the same as above. Insert the branches into the soil at a 45 degree angle at a plant spacing and row spacing of 20 cm × 40 cm, and cover with plastic film along the beds.
(4) Seedling management: After emergence, promptly make holes, expose the seedlings and cover the soil, maintain the temperature and humidity of the bed soil, remove the plastic film before high temperatures, remove lateral buds, and strengthen fertilizer and water management. The cuttings can grow to more than 2 m in the same year.
The later management of the fragrant black locust is simple and the production cost is very low. It is suitable for large-scale establishment for stationary beekeeping, garden ornament, windbreak and sand fixation, and soil and water conservation, with quick results.