Differences in Planting Techniques and Seedling Propagation Methods Between Double-Season Pagoda Tree and Fragrant Flower Pagoda Tree

Pagoda tree is an important dual-purpose tree species. In recent years, in order to give greater play to the economic value of the Chinese pagoda tree (Sophora japonica), many people have devoted themselves to developing new varieties. At present, the main cultivated varieties include double-season pagoda tree, five-leaf pagoda tree, Liaohong pagoda tree, golden-leaf pagoda tree, purple-flower pagoda tree, fragrant flower pagoda tree, etc. Different varieties have different propagation methods. As far as seedling propagation techniques are concerned, double-season pagoda tree is more suitable for seed propagation, and fragrant flower pagoda tree is more suitable for root burial propagation.

Double-season pagoda tree is suitable for raising seedlings by the seed propagation method.

When planting double-season pagoda tree, generally a level site with convenient irrigation and drainage facilities and fertile, loose sandy loam soil is chosen as the seedbed. After earthing up and harrowing fine, beds are made before sowing, and 15 kg of chemical fertilizer and 80 kg of farmyard manure per mu are applied as base fertilizer.

The best sowing time is in early spring from March to April. On the prepared seedbed, trenches are opened across the beds at a row spacing of 25-30 cm, with a trench depth of about 5 cm. The sowing plant spacing is about 30 cm. After sowing, cover with soil, level with a harrow, and sprinkle thoroughly with water to keep the soil moist and avoid dry cracking of the soil layer. Seedlings emerge in 15-20 days. When the seedlings grow to about 20 cm, apply a small amount of nitrogen fertilizer or farmyard manure to promote seedling growth. During this period, weeding and loosening of the soil should also be done irregularly to keep the soil loose and permeable, which is beneficial to root growth. When the seedlings grow to about 50 cm, apply a small amount of organic fertilizer to provide sufficient nutrients to the saplings. After spreading the fertilizer, loosen the soil in time to mix the fertilizer evenly.

Fragrant flower pagoda tree does not set seeds, and generally adopts root burial propagation.

For planting fragrant flower pagoda tree, sandy loam land with deep soil layers is mostly chosen, or cultivated land with a low groundwater table, good drainage, no sources of disease and pest infection, convenient transportation, conditions for well irrigation, and a level terrain. In areas with relatively dry natural conditions, five-autumn land preparation should be carried out, namely autumn plowing, autumn harrowing, autumn fertilizing, autumn ridging, and autumn irrigation.

The key step in root burial propagation is root control. There are mainly two methods of root control: one method is to leave the tree in place and dig roots around it. The other method is to dig out the tree together with its roots, keep 15-20 cm of the roots, and cut off all the rest with scissors for storage and sale at any time. The tree can still be replanted or sold. After the roots are dug out, they must be stored immediately, dug up as sold, to prevent air-drying and dehydration. Choose a place with shelter from wind, protection from light, and sandy loam soil with a soil layer thickness of 1.8-2.0 m, with good drainage and no standing water, to dig a pit. In the Beijing area, generally dig to a depth of about 50-70 cm. Mix the seed roots with fine sand and bury them. The sand should be screened clean in advance, stones removed, and the fine sand should maintain a certain humidity, but the moisture must not be too high. After all are buried, add about 20-30 cm of fine sandy soil on the top layer for cold protection. If there is unusually cold weather, a layer of straw curtains can be added. At the same time, prevent overheating. The biggest problem in storage is that it must not heat up and become moldy.

Double-season pagoda tree is suitable for seed propagation, while fragrant flower pagoda tree is suitable for root burial propagation. The most suitable cultivation techniques are not entirely the same for different varieties, and growers can choose the appropriate planting technique according to their own needs.

How to plant fragrant flower pagoda tree? Cultivation and management techniques for fragrant flower pagoda tree

How does fragrant flower pagoda tree reproduce? Fragrant flower pagoda tree is a very beautiful tree with extremely strong ornamental value. At present, nursery farmers in many areas are planting fragrant flower pagoda tree. The main content we will discuss today is the grafting methods and cultivation management techniques of fragrant flower pagoda tree!

1 Grafting methods of fragrant flower pagoda tree

1.1 Time selection

The grafting time of fragrant flower pagoda tree must be within the period from mid-April to early May each year, and the grafting work must be completed before the scions sprout.

1.2 Rootstock selection

When grafting fragrant flower pagoda tree, it is first necessary to select robust 2-3 year old black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) saplings with good growth conditions and no pests or diseases as rootstock.

1.3 Selection of scion wood

Current-year branches of fragrant flower pagoda tree should be selected, and individual plants with good growth form should be cut as mother plants of the variety, choosing plump buds. In actual operation, bud grafting and branch grafting are the most commonly used methods and means. What especially needs attention during operation is the grasp of timing. Grafting must be done quickly after the rootstock begins to sprout; otherwise, the survival rate of grafting and the subsequent growth and development of the branches will be seriously affected.

1.4 Bud grafting technique

There are two main methods of bud grafting: square bud grafting and I-shaped bud grafting. The square bud grafting method requires first cutting a square on the rootstock, lifting the bark and then pressing it back to its original position, so as to maintain the humidity of the cut. Then remove a square bud piece of the same size as the square from the scion, quickly insert it into the square cut on the rootstock, and then tie it tightly quickly.

The I-shaped bud grafting requires making a ring cut above and below the bud, then removing a 0.3-0.5 cm wide piece of bark from the back of the scion, measuring the same length on a suitably smooth part of the rootstock, making a cut above and below, tearing off a 0.3-0.5 cm wide strip of bark vertically from the middle, then peeling open the cortex on both sides, stripping the bud piece around and pushing it downward, inserting the bud piece into the cut on the rootstock, and binding tightly. When the grafted bud sprouts 0.5-1 cm, carry out follow-up operations such as cutting the rootstock and removing sprouts in time.

1.5 Branch grafting technique

Grafting methods using branches as scions mainly include splice grafting, cleft grafting, tongue grafting, etc. The survival rates of these methods can all reach over 80%. Saplings after branch grafting grow faster and are robust and disease-free compared with bud-grafted saplings. This grafting operation is characterized by easy access to materials, fast growth, and good economic returns, and is suitable for relatively large-scale use needs. However, the shortcoming is that what is propagated is still black locust saplings, so the propagation of fragrant flower pagoda tree saplings cannot be achieved.

2 Cultivation and management techniques

2.1 Land management

Before transplanting, attention should be paid to digging holes and applying sufficient base fertilizer. After burying the seedlings, fill with soil, compact, and water thoroughly with bottom water, and pay attention to maintaining moisture. Fragrant flower pagoda tree has a relatively high survival rate, basically reaching over 95%, and does not need to be transplanted with soil or chemicals. In order to ensure good growth of the saplings, after transplanting they should be cut back at ground level, removing the dry branches above ground and retaining a strong bud from the base. To avoid lodging of the saplings caused by strong winds, root burial and binding can be carried out when the saplings grow to 50-60 cm.

2.2 Irrigation and fertilization

For fragrant flower pagoda tree seedlings, drip irrigation is recommended to ensure sufficient water while paying attention to timely drainage of standing water, so as to prevent root rot caused by water accumulation. Fertilization should mainly use farmyard manure, manure, and organic fertilizer, and should be applied as little and as thinly as possible.

2.3 Loosening soil and weeding

In order to avoid weeds in the field affecting the absorption of nutrients from soil and fertilizer by fragrant flower pagoda tree, weeding should be carried out in time. When the saplings grow to about 40 cm, herbicides may be used as appropriate according to the situation, and at the same time a certain frequency of soil loosening can be combined, but care must be taken to avoid damaging the roots of the plants.

2.4 Pest and disease control

Although fragrant flower pagoda tree has strong resistance to pests and diseases, it cannot be left unattended, and attention should be paid to doing a good job in pest and disease prevention. To control underground pests, spray chemicals before planting to prevent damage to seedlings by locusts and the like. Insecticide sprays can be used to control rot disease or nematodes, and insecticides mixed with preservative chemicals can also be used for spray control.

That is all for today about the cultivation and management techniques of fragrant flower pagoda tree. More planting techniques for flowers, plants, and saplings are all brought to you by Huinong Network!

Introduction to the seedling propagation techniques of fragrant flower pagoda tree

    Fragrant flower pagoda tree is an ideal rare tree species introduced from abroad in recent years for beautifying and greening urban landscapes. It will also play a huge role in promoting the adjustment of rural industrial structure and increasing farmers' income. Whether in greening and ornamentation, afforestation and sand fixation, or improving the ecological environment, it shows huge advantages and potential with its unique characteristics.

    Because fragrant flower pagoda tree was introduced to our country relatively recently, the majority of farmers do not know much about the seedling propagation methods of fragrant flower pagoda tree. Based on several years of cultivation experience, the author draws the following conclusions for everyone's reference.

    1. Site selection and land preparation

    Irrigation equipment is required. Choose black soil or sandy soil with a high and dry terrain, good drainage, and loose texture. Apply 2-3 cubic meters of farmyard manure per 667 sq m, form ridges, with a plant spacing of 40 cm and a ridge spacing of 50 cm.

    2. Treatment of seed roots

    Cut the seed roots into about 8 cm pieces, and the cut surfaces should be flat and even. Place the cut seed root segments into a solution of ABT No. 1 rooting powder at 50 mg/kg and soak for 1-2 hours, then remove and drain dry.

    3. Cutting of seed roots

    Before cutting, first check the soil moisture. When soil about 3 cm below the surface can be squeezed into a ball by hand and does not scatter when released, it is good. For dry plots, water first before cutting.

    Place the seed root segments flat in the prepared holes, cover with soil, with a thickness of 5-6 cm as appropriate. Plant about 3,000 seed root segments per 667 sq m.

    4. Management during the seedling stage

    Weeding should be done early and while the weeds are small, to ensure there are no weeds in the nursery land. After hoeing, cultivate the land in time and earth up as much as possible to prevent lodging later.

    After cutting, compact the soil and keep it moist. Use a 1000-fold dilution of 40% omethoate emulsifiable concentrate to control aphids.

    After the fragrant flower pagoda tree seedlings have all emerged, when the seedlings are about 30 cm tall, carry out the first branch removal, and thereafter remove branches whenever they appear.

    5. Harvesting and storage of seed roots

    Under one circumstance, current-year seed roots are not taken out in autumn. In the following spring, dig the seed roots out of the ground. If possible, dig and sell at any time. If they cannot be sold in time, the seed roots must be stored.

    During storage, maintain the moisture of the seed roots, but they must not be too waterlogged, as waterlogging easily causes the seed roots to rot. For current-year seedlings, after the seed roots are cut off in spring, if they cannot be planted in time, the seedlings should be heeled in temporarily to prevent loss of water.