Detailed Explanation of Key Technical Points for Seed Selection and Seed Retention in Lotus Root
Lotus root is a vegetable crop of the Nymphaeaceae family, and it is loved by many people in China. Lotus root is rich in nutrients; it can not only be stir-fried but also eaten raw. In addition, the processed foods and various small snacks made from lotus root are very popular. At present, the planting area of lotus root is quite extensive, and when planting lotus root, the most important task is seed selection and seed retention. So today, the editor brings you the seed selection and seed retention techniques for lotus root. Let's take a look together!
1. Seed Selection Techniques
Asexual Seed Selection
The planting area of lotus root in China is very extensive, and there are also very many lotus root varieties in China. Therefore, asexual seed selection has become the main method of lotus root seed selection. For example, in recent years, varieties bred from excellent asexual lines include Zhehu 1 Hao, Kexuan No. 1, and others. Asexual seed selection mainly relies on growers selecting some high-yield, good-quality, strong-growing, low-incidence high-quality individual plants, and then sending them to the relevant local agricultural departments. Professionals conduct research and asexual propagation, and then promotion is carried out.
Sexual Hybridization
Sexual hybridization is a method for researching new lotus root varieties, and it has now also been applied to lotus root breeding in China. Sexual hybridization can effectively combine the different excellent qualities of the parent plants to breed high-yield, excellent, early- and late-maturing high-quality varieties. In fact, there is not much difference from asexual seed selection, but skilled growers can carry it out themselves. At present, new lotus root varieties developed in China through sexual hybridization include Yang'ou No. 1, Xiangbailian No. 1, and others. Lotus root seed selection can be done through self-breeding or external purchase, but its quality must be guaranteed.
2. Seed Retention Methods
If you want to obtain lotus root seeds or lotus seeds with high yield and good quality, then you must pay special attention to the seed retention work for lotus root. During seed retention, seed lotus roots generally overwinter in the lotus field. During overwintering, a layer of water must be maintained in the lotus field to avoid water shortage, which can cause the soil to dry out and crack. If the water level cannot be guaranteed, then a layer of straw should be spread over the lotus field for insulation. Then in the second year's winter, dig out the seed lotus roots, and it is best to plant them immediately after digging. When digging lotus roots, it is not advisable to dig them all out; for about every four dug out, one should be retained as the seed lotus root for the next year.
3. Precautions for Seed Retention
The planting method for lotus root retained for seed is similar to field planting; the main differences are the planting and harvesting times. After the field lotus roots are harvested, the seed retention field still needs continued management, especially the prevention and control of field moisture and pests and diseases. As just mentioned, the seed retention field must also maintain a certain water level in winter, and its water level should be controlled at about 4 cm. When digging seed roots, the method is the same as digging field lotus roots; pay attention to the force and ensure the seed lotus roots are complete. Prevent the buds from being injured, which would cause the germination ability of the seed lotus roots to decline or even lose germination ability.
The above is a brief introduction to the seed selection and seed retention techniques for lotus root. There are very many propagation methods for lotus root. When retaining seeds, we should reasonably choose the propagation method according to the field conditions, technology, and environment, ensure the yield of seed lotus roots, and improve planting benefits. That is all for today's introduction. This article is for reference only. Thank you for reading and supporting.