Introduction to several common propagation methods for lotus root

-- Lotus seed propagation. Since lotus seeds are covered with a hard shell, first crack the sunken end of the shell, then soak it in water at 26-30°C to promote germination. Once the sprout grows, it must still be kept in water to prevent dehydration and shriveling. When it reaches 4 leaves and 1 runner, it can be planted out in the field. Because lotus seed propagation grows slowly in the early stage, seedlings must be raised in a protected area 1 month in advance to form lotus root of commercial value in the same year.

-- Whole lotus root propagation. Plant the entire main lotus root together with its daughter lotus roots and granddaughter lotus roots at a certain row and plant spacing. The planting method is to insert the top end into the mud, leave the tail tip exposed above the mud surface, and insert it diagonally.

-- Daughter lotus root propagation. Daughter lotus roots refer to the side branches growing from the main root. Daughter lotus roots may have one segment, two segments, or even four segments; this is related to the position where the daughter lotus root is attached to the main lotus root. The closer the daughter lotus root is attached to the lotus root head, the fewer the segments; the closer the daughter lotus root is attached to the lotus root tip, the more the segments. Regardless of which segment it is, any daughter lotus root can be cut off and used alone as a lotus root seed for propagation.

-- Lotus root head propagation. That is, cut off the top segment of the main lotus root for use as seed, or cut off the top segment lotus root head of a daughter lotus root for use as seed.

-- Lotus root node propagation. That is, cut a 5-6 cm section from the node for use as seed. This uses the axillary buds on the lotus root node for propagation.

-- Terminal bud propagation. That is, cut off the terminal bud of the main lotus root or daughter lotus root together with the basal node, and insert it into a soft mud seedling bed. When inserting, if the temperature is still low, cover it with plastic film. Only after adventitious roots grow from the basal node of the terminal bud, 2-3 small leaves grow at the top, and the outdoor temperature has steadily remained above 15°C, can it be planted out in the field. Planting method: bury both the adventitious roots and the lotus runners in the mud, with the small leaves exposed above the water surface. After planting, pay attention to shallow water irrigation to increase the mud temperature and promote early growth.

-- Lotus runner cutting. After the buds on the lotus root in the field extend into lotus runners and grow to the branching stage, dig up intact two-node lotus runners with terminal buds (keeping two leaves on them) and transplant them into the field. When planting, bury both the bud tip and the lotus runner shallowly in the mud, and keep the lotus leaves exposed above the water surface.

All the above methods can propagate new lotus roots. The most seed-saving method is terminal bud propagation, but it requires careful management; lotus seed propagation can also save lotus root seed, but because lotus root is cross-pollinated, the offspring often grow into many types and have relatively low commercial value, so apart from breeding, it is generally not much used; using whole lotus root as seed is a traditional method, but the amount of seed used is too large; lotus root node propagation uses its axillary buds, and its growth capacity is relatively weak, so it is also not suitable for use. It is better to use lotus root heads or daughter lotus roots for propagation, while lotus runner cutting can be used for replanting gaps or late planting.