How to Propagate Sapodilla? A Detailed Guide to Common Propagation Methods
Sapodilla is originally a tropical fruit from the Americas, and it is now cultivated to some extent in tropical regions of China such as Guangdong and Yunnan. It gets its name because its fruit looks very much like a human heart. Sapodilla has very high nutritional value, so its planting area is continually expanding. So how should we propagate sapodilla when growing it? Below, the editor brings you the propagation methods for sapodilla. Let's take a look!
1. Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most basic propagation method for sapodilla. Sapodilla matures around September each year. After the fruit ripens, take the seeds out of the fruit, then remove the shriveled seeds and those with wounds. Wash the sticky pulp off the seed coat surface of the remaining seeds with clean water. Then dry the seeds in the shade and store them in a ventilated place until sowing the next year. Before sowing, pay attention to doing a good job of sprouting and disinfection to improve the seeds' germination ability. When sowing, the temperature is best controlled at 25 degrees. Once the temperature is suitable, strengthen management. Generally, they will sprout about one month after sowing.
2. Cutting Propagation
Cutting propagation is best done in summer, because the temperature and humidity in summer are both relatively suitable for the growth of the cuttings. We should choose a robust, high-yielding tree as the mother plant. Then cut off robust terminal young branches that are free of pests, diseases and wounds. Apply rooting agent and healing agent appropriately to the cut to promote wound healing and improve the rooting ability of the cuttings. Each cutting should be kept at about 13 cm. After completing the pre-insertion preparations, insert it vertically into the nursery bed. After insertion, the temperature of the nursery bed should be controlled at about 26-27 degrees. But note that the rooting speed of sapodilla cuttings is very slow, and if managed improperly, they may even fail to root.
3. Layering Propagation
Layering propagation is one of the most commonly used propagation methods for sapodilla. It is carried out every spring. First, select robust branches that are two years old or less. Their diameter should be controlled at about 2 cm, then carry out girdling at a position about 22-24 cm from the top of the branch to the stem. The depth of the girdling mainly depends on the size of the branch. When you peel to the xylem and find a white substance, remove it cleanly. Then use tape to wrap wet clay soil, and try to use a container with good permeability to wrap the girdled part, because strong permeability means faster rooting. Tie both ends tightly to prevent it from coming loose and losing effectiveness. Under normal management, roots will form in 2-3 months.
The above is a brief introduction to sapodilla propagation methods. Sapodilla also has a grafting propagation method, but grafting propagation is rather troublesome to handle. Therefore, it requires everyone to have a certain level of skill. When propagating, we should reasonably choose the propagation method according to our skills, preparations, etc., to ensure propagation success. That is all for today's introduction. This article is for reference only, and we hope it can help everyone!