How to Propagate Hops? Detailed Explanation of Propagation Methods and Key Operation Points
Hops are currently a developing economic crop in China, and hops are a very important raw material in beer production. Therefore, the planting area of hops is still very large. When planting hops, the most important thing is to do a good job in hop propagation. So how should hops be propagated? Below, the editor brings you the propagation methods of hops. Let's take a look!
1. Seed propagation
When using seed propagation, it is mainly used for hybrid breeding of hops. The seed coat of hops is relatively hard and the seeds develop poorly, so their germination rate is relatively low, at only about 10%. Therefore, before sowing, we should select plump seeds, then soak them in warm water at about 35 degrees and place them in a 24-degree environment for germination. When the average temperature reaches about 20 degrees, they can be sown. After sowing, pay attention to covering with a layer of fine soil, and water frequently to maintain soil moisture. After about 4 days, they can emerge from the soil. After the seedlings emerge, good shading measures should be taken, and then about two topdressings should be applied during the mid-seedling stage.
2. Underground stem cutting propagation
Underground stem cutting propagation is a relatively simple method among hop propagation methods, and it is also the most commonly used method. When cutting buds of hops each year, select healthy underground stems without pests or diseases, about 12cm long and 1.8cm thick, with smooth cut surfaces, and use them as seedlings for direct cutting. If they cannot be cut in time, then they should be stored, and a ditch 70cm deep should be dug in a high, dry place. Then tie the seedlings into small bundles according to specifications and varieties, make classification labels, and place them into the ditch for storage. If transportation is needed, then pay attention to water loss and temperature.
3. Green branch cuttings
Green branch cuttings are also a commonly used propagation method for hops, and the propagation coefficient of green branch cuttings is relatively high. It can be carried out in a greenhouse and seedbed environment, but it is not yet very widely used in China, and is generally used more abroad. Experiments have shown that if green branches with about two bud nodes are selected for cutting in May to June, the survival rate can reach more than 95%. Alternatively, it can be delayed by one month, and if green branches with one bud node are selected and treated with indoleacetic acid, the rooting rate is also very high.
4. Bud planting propagation
When cutting buds, we should select and retain tender buds about 8-12 cm long, plump and healthy, free of pests and diseases, and with an appropriate amount of fibrous roots. Control the plant and row spacing well and plant them directly in the nursery. When planting buds, all the buds should be planted into the soil, and the distance between the top of the bud and the ground should be controlled at about 3 cm. After planting, cover with soil appropriately, then water to keep the soil moist. Under normal conditions, seedlings can emerge in 2-3 weeks. After the seedlings emerge, carry out management work according to the management requirements for seedlings.
The above is a brief introduction to hop propagation methods. There are many propagation methods for hops, and the choice should mainly be made according to your own planting habits and methods. That is all for today's introduction. This article is for reference only, and I hope it can help everyone!