What are the propagation methods for Golden Privet (Ligustrum sinense 'Variegatum')?

Golden Privet is generally propagated by softwood cuttings, either in containers or directly in the ground. Container cuttings cost more, so here we mainly introduce the single-bud ground-cutting method under a small bamboo arch shelter.

Cutting time: it is best done when new shoot growth is slow, that is, from May to October, and preferably during the rainy season.

Site selection and soil preparation: choose a loose, fertile, flat plot with good drainage, apply 125 kg of superphosphate per mu, deep plow 15 cm, then break up the soil and rake it level, make raised beds 1.2 m wide with furrows 20 cm deep.

Cutting preparation: first select good mother trees. Cuttings should be collected from young mother branches, preferably semi-lignified branches of the current year. The best times to collect cuttings are once each in May to June and September to October.

Inserting the cuttings: a single bud should generally be inserted to one-half the length of the branch; do not insert too deep. The density should be such that the cuttings do not press against each other, and the base of the cuttings can be seen when viewed from above.

Inserting bamboo arches and covering with film: when inserting the bamboo arches, an "X"-shaped bamboo arch should be inserted at both ends of the seedbed to support the film, with a height of 0.7 m to 1.0 m, and the spacing between arches should preferably be 0.8 m. Generally, a 3 m wide disposable anti-drip film is used, and finally the edges of the film are completely sealed with soil or river sand.

Management after cutting: softwood cuttings require high air humidity and suitable substrate moisture content, and proper shading is essential. Twenty days after cutting, the air humidity inside the small arch shelter must be kept above 95%. If the humidity inside the small arch shelter is low, the film should be lifted promptly for watering, and the leaves should be sprayed with 500 times carbendazim plus anthracnose fumei solution, then sealed. For cuttings taken in May to June, water once a week; for cuttings taken in September, water once every 10 to 15 days. Excessive sunlight will raise the temperature of the cutting bed and reduce humidity, which is not good for the survival of the cuttings. Reed curtains, bamboo curtains, or shade nets can be used for shading, generally with a shading intensity of about 70%. The temperature of the seedbed substrate should be kept within the range of 22°C to 28°C; under this temperature condition, the cuttings root most easily. Generally, Golden Privet begins to root in about 15 days, and by about 40 days basically all can be hardened off. For cuttings taken in May to June, generally cover with the shade net at around 10 a.m. and gather the shade net after 3 p.m. for hardening off. After about 20 days of hardening off, they can be potted up.

After Golden Privet cuttings root, sprout, and grow into small seedlings, they need frequent watering to prevent drying out. At the same time, do the fertilization work well, applying fertilizer in small amounts and frequently, to avoid burning the seedlings with too much fertilizer.

Pest and disease prevention: spray a fungicide once every 15 days or so, such as thiophanate-methyl, chlorothalonil, and other fungicides. Pests are mainly moth larvae, and insecticides such as fenpropathrin and trichlorfon can be used.

Overwintering management: when the small seedlings overwinter, insulation measures must be taken, such as covering with film.