Detailed Explanation of Cutting Propagation Techniques for Michelia macclurei var. purpurea in Guangdong
Research on cutting propagation and seedling cultivation of Michelia macclurei var. purpurea in Guangdong Province has practical significance for protecting the excellent quality of Michelia macclurei var. purpurea and carrying out selective breeding of superior varieties, as well as for large-scale seedling production at forest farms and reducing seedling cultivation costs.
1 Materials and Methods
1.1 Overview of the Trial Site
The trial site was set up at the nursery by the Shanganping Reservoir in Kuidong Forest Farm. Kuidong Forest Farm is located in Beishi Town, in the northeastern corner of Guangning County, Zhaoqing City, Guangdong Province, at 112º30′54″-112º33′49″E, 23º55′34″-23º58′34″N. It lies in the southern subtropical monsoon climate zone, with distinct local microclimate characteristics and a relatively large diurnal temperature difference. The average annual temperature is 22.2 °C. The coldest month is January, with an average temperature of 12.3 °C, and the hottest month is July, with an average temperature of 28.7 °C. The annual sunshine duration is 2 000 h. The forest farm's woodland soil is mainly mountain red soil and lateritic red soil. The soil quality is relatively good, the soil layer is medium to thick, and the fertility is moderate.
1.2 Trial Materials
The cuttings were taken from current-year semi-lignified branches of 2-year-old Michelia macclurei var. purpurea introduced and planted at the forest farm. The leaf buds were required to be plump and free of pests and diseases.
1.3 Trial Design
1.3.1 Effect of different cutting times on the survival rate of cuttings The trial was conducted on November 16, 2014, June 13, 2015, and March 10, 2016, respectively. Three replicates were set up each time, with 60 cuttings per replicate.
1.3.2 Effect of different cutting diameters on the survival rate of cuttings The cutting diameters were set at 2-3 mm and 3-6 mm, and cuttings were carried out in 3 batches, as shown in Table 1.
Table 1 Cutting quantities of Michelia macclurei var. purpurea with different cutting diameters
1.4 Cutting Method
1.4.1 Seedbed and substrate
A semi-shaded plot near the mountain was selected at the nursery, with an area of about 6 sq m, and the bed was made on site. The seedbed specifications were 1.3 m wide and 20 cm high. When making the bed, yellow loam soil was first mixed thoroughly with carbofuran. Local yellow loam soil, perlite, and river sand were mixed in a ratio of 6 : 3 : 1, stirred evenly, and spread flat on the bed surface to a thickness of about 8 cm. After leveling, it was sprayed and disinfected with a 0.3% KMnO4 solution, and finally the seedbed was watered thoroughly with clean water. A shade net was used to enclose the surroundings of the seedbed, and the shade net was about 1.5 m high.
1.4.2 Collection and soaking treatment of cuttings
The length of the cuttings was 8-10 cm. The lower end was cut obliquely 2 mm below a node, leaving 2-3 buds. The cuttings were tied into bundles of 60. The bundled cuttings were placed in a 100 mg/L ABT (No. 1) solution about 3 cm deep and soaked for 1 h.
1.4.3 Cutting and post-cutting management
Oblique insertion was used, with a plant-row spacing of 3 cm×5 cm. The insertion depth into the soil was preferably 1/3 of the cutting. The cuttings were pressed firmly against the surrounding soil. After insertion, they were watered thoroughly and sprayed with a 1 000-fold carbendazim solution. If the light was too strong, a shade net with 50% light transmittance was used to cover the seedbed. On sunny days, water was applied once in the morning and once in the evening each day to keep the cutting bed moderately moist. Every 10 d, a 1 000-fold carbendazim solution or a mixture of 800-fold 50% thiophanate-methyl solution plus 800-fold chlorothalonil solution was sprayed to prevent rot, and rotting cuttings were removed promptly. After the cuttings grew new leaves, attention had to be paid at all times to preventing larvae of the common bluebottle (Graphium sarpedon) from gnawing the leaves.
1.5 Statistical Analysis
The survival rate was calculated 2 months after cutting. Microsoft Excel 2003 was used to organize the data, and SAS 6.12 statistical analysis software was used for analysis of variance.
2 Results and Analysis
2.1 Effect of cutting time on the survival rate of cuttings
There was an extremely significant difference in the cutting survival rate of Michelia macclurei var. purpurea among different cutting times (P<0.01) (Table 2). As shown in Table 3, the survival rate was highest when cuttings were made in early March, with the highest survival rate at 66.7% and the average survival rate at 60.1%; November was next; June was the lowest, with the highest survival rate at 38.3% and the average survival rate at 33.9%.
Table 2 Analysis of variance of cutting survival rate of Michelia macclurei var. purpurea at different cutting times
Note: DF is degrees of freedom; SS is sum of squares; MS is mean square.
2.2 Effect of cutting diameter on the survival rate of cuttings
There was a significant difference in the cutting survival rate of Michelia macclurei var. purpurea among cuttings of different diameters (P<0.05) (Tables 4-5). The average survival rate of cuttings with a diameter of 2-3 mm was 38.6%, and the average survival rate of cuttings with a diameter of 3-6 mm was 64.5%.
Table 3 Comparison of cutting survival rates of Michelia macclurei var. purpurea at different cutting times %
Table 4 Comparison of cutting survival rates of Michelia macclurei var. purpurea with different cutting diameters %
Table 5 Analysis of variance of cutting survival rate of Michelia macclurei var. purpurea with different cutting diameters
3 Conclusions and Discussion
3.1 Cutting time had a significant effect on the cutting survival rate of Michelia macclurei var. purpurea. The survival rate was highest when cuttings were made in March. The main reason is that Michelia macclurei var. purpurea has a long bud stage before flowering, and March is exactly the period when the buds are plump, with sufficient water and nutrients. On the other hand, the local climate in March is warm, the humidity is moderate, and there are few pests and diseases, which is conducive to rooting and growth of cuttings. The survival rate of cuttings made in June was the lowest because there is more rain and higher temperatures in June. Under high-humidity and high-temperature conditions, cuttings of Michelia macclurei var. purpurea are susceptible to infection by pathogens, and mortality of cutting seedlings occurred in patches during the trial. Cao Zhanbo et al. showed that the cutting survival rate of Michelia figo var. purpurea was highest in early October, reaching 81.7%, which is inconsistent with this study. The reason may be differences in regional climate, site conditions, and cutting techniques. Further comparative trials at the same time are considered for the future.
3.2 Cutting diameter had a significant effect on the cutting survival rate of Michelia macclurei var. purpurea. Cuttings of 2-3 mm had a lower degree of lignification and were relatively soft; cuttings of 3-6 mm had a higher degree of lignification and were relatively firm, with plump leaf buds. The branches contained relatively rich nutrients, and the cut surface of the cuttings had a larger contact area with the soil, making it easier to absorb water and root. The survival rate after leaf emergence was also higher, which is beneficial for cultivating robust seedlings.
3.3 Compared with grafting propagation, cutting propagation has the advantages of simple operation, low cost, and convenient management, and is very suitable for operations at grassroots forest farms.
The above is the vegetative propagation technology for Michelia macclurei var. purpurea from the Guangdong Provincial Forestry Science and Technology Innovation (Seed and Seedling) Project. Friends interested in this research trial can read more about it.
Methods for Cutting Propagation of Michelia alba
From ancient times to the present, there has never been a shortage of flower lovers. Tao Yuanming loved chrysanthemums, Zhou Dunyi loved only lotuses, and Li Bai loved secluded orchids... People who love flowers not only grow flowers themselves, but when they go out and see flowers they love, they will also find a way to transplant them into their own gardens. However, different flowers have different growth habits, and cultivation methods also differ. Only by understanding a flower's habits can you better care for it. Michelia alba is the city flower of Yibin City, Sichuan Province. What are its living habits? Can it be transplanted by cutting? The editor will help you understand.
1. Michelia alba
Michelia alba, also known as huanglan (Zhiwu Ming Shi Tu Kao), huangyulan (Guangdong), and huangmiangui (Yunnan) Plate 40: 1-7. It is an evergreen tree plant in the Magnoliaceae family and Michelia genus. Michelia alba has a tall, upright trunk, reaching up to 20 m. Young branches and leaves are alternate, thinly leathery, and the leaves are dark green. Flowers are solitary in leaf axils, orange-yellow, elegant, and extremely fragrant, with a fresh, sweet, and mellow scent. The fragrance is strongest when the buds are about to open; the flowering period is long, and with suitable temperatures it can bloom continuously. It has unique growth habits. It is distributed in southern and southwestern Yunnan, and is cultivated in all provinces and regions south of the Yangtze River. It likes to grow in warm places. The flowers and leaves are raw materials for aromatic oil, from which extract can be obtained; the wood is excellent and can be used for shipbuilding. It is distributed in India, Nepal, Myanmar, and Vietnam. It is cultivated in southeastern Tibet, Yunnan, Fujian, Taiwan, China, Guangdong, Hainan, and Guangxi in China; it is grown in pots in various places in the Yangtze River basin and overwinters in greenhouses.
2. Morphological Characteristics of Michelia alba
a. Tree form: evergreen tree, up to more than 10 m tall; branches spread obliquely, forming a narrow umbrella-shaped crown.
b. Buds: buds, young branches, young leaves, and petioles are all covered with pale yellow appressed soft hairs.
c. Leaves: leaves thinly leathery, lanceolate-ovate or lanceolate-oblong, 10-20(25) cm long, 4.5-9 cm wide, apex long-acuminate or nearly caudate, base broadly cuneate or cuneate, slightly pubescent abaxially; petiole 2-4 cm long, stipular scar extending above the middle of the petiole.
d. Flowers: flowers yellow, flowering period June-July, tepals 15-20, oblanceolate, 3-4 cm long, 4-5 mm wide; connective of stamens extending into a long pointed tip; gynoecium hairy; gynophore about 3 mm long. The flowering period of Michelia alba is extremely short. When the flower first forms a bud, it is green, until the petals grow and reveal pure white. Once the flower turns white, it means blooming and withering, often with only one day or one and a half days in between.
e. Fruit: fruiting period September-October, aggregate fruit 7-15 cm long; follicles obovate-oblong, 1-1.5 cm long, with wart-like protrusions.
f. Seeds: seeds 2-4, wrinkled.
3. Propagation Methods of Michelia alba
a. Air layering
Before the dog days, select healthy and disease-free young branches (1.5-2 cm in diameter) from the mother plant of Michelia alba, cut a slit at the lower part of the branch fork, then cover it with a bamboo tube or a bottomless earthenware jar, fill it with culture soil, tie it tightly on the outside with fine rope, being careful not to disturb it, spray a small amount of water frequently to keep it moist, and new roots can grow around May of the following year, after which it can be removed and planted.
b. Approach grafting
The approach grafting time for Michelia alba can be carried out throughout the entire growing season from spring to autumn. It is mostly done from April to July. The best grafting position is 70 cm above the ground. After binding, wrap it with a mud ball and cover the outside with leaves to prevent rain erosion, and it can be cut off after about 60 days. Approach grafting is a method that is relatively easy to survive, but it does not grow as vigorously as cut grafting.
e. Cutting
Cuttings do not root easily, and cultivated Michelia alba in China cannot set fruit or produce seeds due to climate and other factors. Magnolia liliiflora, Michelia champaca, and others can be used as rootstocks for grafting propagation. The rootstock can be potted in spring, first planted on one side of the pot, so that during grafting the rootstock is easier to bring close to the scion, and the grafting position can be kept as low as possible. The best grafting time is during the peak growing season of Michelia alba; for small-scale propagation, air layering can also be used. Although the quantity is too small, the chance of survival is greater.
Loving flowers does not necessarily mean possessing them. If you love it, let it grow well, and when it blooms, cast an admiring gaze upon it. Michelia alba is a relatively easy flower to grow. As long as you are attentive, it can bloom continuously without fading. The fragrance that accompanies the flowers when they bloom is truly refreshing and delightful. Watching it bloom luxuriantly, you will surely feel joy in your heart. The more Michelia alba is about to bloom, the more pleasant its fragrance, like a shy young girl standing gracefully on the branch. If you love flowers, you will surely like it. I hope this article from the editor can help you.
Care Guide for Michelia figo, Which Has the Ability to Absorb "Chlorine"
Michelia figo is an evergreen shrub with glossy green leaves and banana-scented flowers. Because its flowers open but do not fully spread, as if smiling without speaking, it attracts affection. It also carries the floral meaning of reserve and subtlety. Michelia figo is native to the southern provinces and regions of South China, and is found wild in Dinghu Mountain, Guangdong, growing in mixed woods on shady slopes. Below, Huinong Network will tell you about the environmental benefits and care guide of Michelia figo.
1. Environmental Benefits
Michelia figo can absorb chlorine. The flowers release volatile aromatic oils, which can inhibit Mycobacterium tuberculosis and pneumococci.
2. Care Guide
(1) Light
Michelia figo prefers semi-shade and fears strong light and exposure. It likes warm, humid climates and is relatively cold-tolerant. Indoor potted plants can be placed in a bright area with more scattered light. In summer, appropriate shading is needed to avoid direct strong light.
(2) Temperature
In winter, the room temperature should preferably be kept at 5-15°C. If the temperature is too low, it is prone to cold damage. After being exposed to cold, a plastic bag can be placed over the pot, and it should be kept in a sunny indoor area for care.
(3) Watering
Usually, the potting soil should be kept moist, but it must never be too wet. Because its roots are mostly fleshy, too much watering or waterlogging after rain can cause root rot, so humidity should be controlled during rainy seasons.
(4) Fertilization
Michelia figo likes fertilizer. During the growing season (April-September), apply fertilizer once about every 15 days, and stop fertilizing during the flowering period and after October. If the leaf color is found not to be bright and dark green, apply one application of fermented fertilizer water.
(5) Soil
Michelia figo likes deep, fertile, slightly acidic soil. For potting soil, use 6 parts leaf mold mixed with 2 parts garden soil and 2 parts yellow sand to prepare the culture soil.
(6) Propagation
Michelia figo is commonly propagated by cutting and layering.
① Cutting
After the flowers fade, carry out softwood cutting. Cut 8-10 cm long branches, keep the upper leaves, insert them into the potting soil, keep the potting soil moist, and provide shade. They will root about 4 months after cutting.
② Layering
Carry out air layering during the plum rain season, and they will root in about 2 months. Michelia figo is a small to medium-sized indoor potted flowering plant, suitable for placement in the living room or bathroom.
The above is the environmental benefits and care guide for Michelia figo compiled by the editor of Huinong Network. Michelia figo can absorb chlorine, so it is also a good choice for home cultivation.