Azalea floating seedling raising method

Abstract

The invention discloses a floating seedling raising method for azalea. The method comprises the steps of seed collection and treatment, seedling raising facility construction, matrix preparation and disinfection, seed treatment before sowing, precise hill-seeding, floating seedling raising environment control, seedling stage management, transplanting and the like. By adopting an acid matrix compounded by humus soil, perlite and saw dust, combining with precise regulation and control of illumination, temperature, humidity and the pH value of a nutrient solution, and cooperating with staged nutrition supply and oxygenation management, germination of azalea seeds and orderly and robust growth of seedlings are effectively promoted. The method is easy and convenient to operate, water and fertilizer are saved, the seedling raising efficiency and the seedling quality can be remarkably improved, the disease occurrence rate is reduced, and the method is suitable for standardized and large-scale production of the azalea seedlings.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of plant sowing and seedling cultivation technology, and specifically to a method for floating seedling cultivation of azaleas. Background Technology

[0002] Azaleas belong to the genus *Rhododendron* in the family Ericaceae. With diverse forms and numerous varieties, azaleas are widely used in landscaping due to their abundant and vibrant colors, diverse flower shapes, and ecological adaptability, possessing extremely high ornamental, landscaping, and ecological value. Traditional azalea propagation methods, such as cuttings, grafting, and layering, generally suffer from low propagation coefficients, long seedling development cycles, and high dependence on the mother plant, making it difficult to meet the urgent needs of modern, large-scale seedling production for efficient, uniform, and high-quality seedlings. Tissue culture technology can obtain a large number of genetically stable sterile seedlings in a short period, greatly improving propagation efficiency. However, conventional tissue culture technology also faces problems such as complex operating procedures, high production costs, and unstable survival rates after transplanting due to environmental factors, limiting its large-scale application.

[0003] Floating seedling raising, a seedling technology combining soilless cultivation with nutrient solution management, is characterized by intensive management. Initially widely used in the seedling raising of crops such as tobacco and vegetables, this technology floats seedling trays on a waterbed filled with nutrient solution after sowing, providing a relatively balanced and easily controllable rhizosphere environment for seed germination and seedling growth, considering water, fertilizer, air, and heat. Using floating seedling raising for azalea propagation offers several advantages: first, it avoids uneven wetting or fertilizer burn that can occur with traditional irrigation methods, promoting rapid root development and uniform plant growth; second, by controlling the composition, concentration, and pH of the nutrient solution, it precisely meets the azalea's preference for acidic soil, effectively preventing physiological diseases such as iron deficiency chlorosis; third, it facilitates the cultivation of healthy seedlings, as the relatively isolated seedling environment reduces the risk of soil-borne diseases; and fourth, it significantly reduces labor intensity and production costs. This technology is simple to manage, saves water and fertilizer, and provides reliable technical support for the industrialized and standardized production of azalea seedlings. Research on floating seedling cultivation technology for azaleas is of great theoretical and practical significance for improving the efficient seedling cultivation technology system for azaleas, enhancing seedling quality, reducing production costs, and accelerating the selection and promotion of superior varieties. It also provides technical support for the preservation and innovative utilization of azalea germplasm resources. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a method for floating seedling cultivation of azaleas, which aims to solve the problems of low efficiency and high cost of traditional propagation methods, and to achieve high-quality, efficient and standardized production of azalea seedlings.

[0005] According to the purpose of this invention, a method for floating seedling cultivation of azaleas is provided, comprising the following steps: (1) Seed collection and treatment: Collect mature and healthy rhododendron capsules, air dry them naturally, break them open to extract the seeds, remove impurities, and store them for later use; (2) Preparation of seedling facilities: build a seedling shed in an open and sunny place, set up a floating seedling pool, and lay black plastic film in the pool; (3) Substrate preparation and disinfection: Mix humus, perlite and sawdust in a mass ratio of 6:2:2, disinfect and then put into seedling trays; (4) Pre-sowing treatment: Soak seeds in 1% sodium hypochlorite solution for 10–15 minutes, rinse with sterile water and air dry; (5) Sowing: Sow the seeds in the center of the substrate in the seedling tray and cover with a thin layer of substrate; (6) Seedling environment control: Place the seedling trays in the floating seedling pool, control the light intensity to 1000~2000 lux, the light exposure to 12~16 hours per day, the temperature to 15~25℃, the relative humidity to 80~85%, and maintain the pH value of the nutrient solution to 4.5~5.5; (7) Seedling management: Thin the seedlings when they grow their first pair of true leaves, and apply fertilizer after they grow 2-3 true leaves; (8) Transplanting: When the seedlings have roots that have filled the seedling trays and have 4-6 true leaves, transplant them after hardening them off.

[0006] Furthermore, in step (1), the seed storage time does not exceed three months.

[0007] Furthermore, in step (3), the seedling tray is a polystyrene foam tray, which is disinfected for 24 hours with a 300-fold dilution of 25% metalaxyl-mancozeb before use.

[0008] Furthermore, in step (3), the substrate is subjected to high-temperature sterilization after preparation.

[0009] Furthermore, in step (6), after the seedling roots have formed, an oxygenation pump is used to oxygenate the nutrient solution, and the nutrient solution is completely replaced every 1 to 2 weeks.

[0010] Furthermore, in step (6), the nutrient solution is initially made of clean water, and the EC value of the nutrient solution is gradually increased after the seedlings grow true leaves.

[0011] Further, in step (8), the seedling hardening includes: taking the seedlings out of the floating seedling pond, placing them on the seedbed, gradually increasing the light and ventilation, reducing the water supply, and transplanting them with soil after 1 to 2 weeks.

[0012] Furthermore, in step (2), the depth of the floating seedling pond is 15-20 cm, the width of the pond is preferably to accommodate 2-5 seedling trays, and the width of the walkway between the ponds is 30-50 cm.

[0013] The beneficial effects of this invention are: This invention effectively solves the problems of low propagation coefficient, long seedling cycle, and high management cost in traditional azalea propagation methods by constructing a complete floating seedling system, combined with an optimized acidic substrate formula, precise control of light, temperature, water, and air environment, and staged nutrient solution management. This method is simple to operate, saves water and fertilizer, significantly improves seed germination rate and seedling uniformity, promotes root development, and reduces the risk of soil-borne diseases, providing reliable technical support for the standardized and industrialized production of azalea seedlings. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic flowchart of the method of the present invention; Detailed Implementation The specific embodiments of the present invention will be further described below. It should be noted that these descriptions are for the purpose of aiding understanding the present invention, but do not constitute a limitation thereof. Furthermore, the technical features involved in the various embodiments of the present invention described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0015] Example 1 like Figure 1 As shown, a method for floating seedling cultivation of azaleas includes the following steps: From mid-November to early December, collect azalea seeds from healthy, naturally formed, disease-free azalea seed capsules. After collection, allow them to air dry naturally in a well-ventilated room, then store them in cloth bags in a cool, ventilated, and dry place for later use. Alternatively, after the seed pods have naturally split open or been manually broken open, remove the seed coat, and pass them through a 200-mesh seed sieve to remove any remaining seed coat residue and immature small seeds. Store them in cloth bags in a cool, ventilated, and dry place for later use; storage time should not exceed three months. Choose a site with open terrain, sheltered from the wind and facing the sun, convenient transportation, and good water and electricity conditions for the seedling raising site; build a steel frame shed or small arched shed as a seedling raising shed, and cover it with a film and a shade net with a shading rate of about 80%; build a floating seedling raising pond, which should be built or set with a depth of about 15cm~20cm and a width of 2~5 seedling trays, with a walkway width of about 30cm~50cm between them; A mixture of humus, perlite, and sawdust in a 6:2:2 ratio was used as the substrate, and after sterilization, it was placed into the seedling trays. Before sowing, soak the seeds in a 1% sodium hypochlorite solution for 10 to 15 minutes, then rinse them with sterile water and air dry them until they are loose and ready for sowing. Sow the seeds in the center of the substrate in the holes of the seedling tray, and cover with a thin layer of substrate. Cultivate in an environment with a light intensity of 1000-2000 lux, continuous light for 12-16 hours per day, temperature of 15℃-25℃, and relative humidity of 80%-85% until most seeds germinate, and maintain the pH value at 4.5-5.5; Thinning should be carried out when the seedlings have grown their first pair of true leaves; After the seedlings have grown 2 to 3 true leaves, apply top dressing; when the seedlings have grown roots in the seedling tray and have 4 to 6 healthy true leaves, they can be prepared for transplanting.

[0016] Specifically, when constructing floating seedling ponds, spray the floating seedling ponds, walkways inside the shed, both sides of the shed, and ditches with a 400-fold dilution of disinfectant or a 500-fold dilution of potassium permanganate before use. After disinfection, cover the floating seedling ponds with a black plastic film with a thickness of about 0.1mm to 0.12mm.

[0017] Prepare a floating seedling nutrient solution. Initially, use clean water, and later apply the nutrient solution after the seedlings have grown true leaves. As the plants grow, gradually increase the EC value of the nutrient solution.

[0018] Choose 160-cell polystyrene foam trays (54cm long, 34cm wide) or 162-cell polystyrene foam trays (66cm long, 34cm wide) as seedling trays. Before use, soak each cell in a 300-fold dilution of 25% metalaxyl-mancozeb. Stack the trays neatly, cover them with plastic film and leave them for 24 hours. Rinse with clean water and let them air dry before use.

[0019] Specifically, the substrate consists of humus, perlite, and sawdust, which are crushed and mixed in a 6:2:2 ratio. Before use, the substrate is sterilized at high temperature. The sterilized, moistened substrate is then poured into seedling trays, gently leveled, and set aside.

[0020] Specifically, pour a small amount of seeds onto a piece of white paper, and use a dry, fine-bristled brush or toothpick to precisely sow them in the center of the substrate in the holes of the seedling tray. After sowing, cover with a thin layer of substrate to ensure that the seeds are in full contact with the substrate.

[0021] Specifically, after sowing, place the seeds in an environment with a light intensity of approximately 1000-2000 lux, continuous light exposure of 12-16 hours per day, a temperature of 15℃-25℃, and a relative humidity of 80%-85%. If necessary, use a spray humidifier or cover with non-woven fabric or a transparent film to maintain moisture until most seeds germinate. Maintain the pH value in an acidic range of 4.5-5.5. After the seedlings have formed roots, an aerator can be used to oxygenate the nutrient solution to promote root development. The nutrient solution should be completely replaced every 1-2 weeks.

[0022] Specifically, when the seedlings develop their first pair of true leaves, thin them out, leaving only the strongest seedling in each hole. After the seedlings have 2-3 true leaves, apply fertilizer. When the seedlings have developed a full root system in the planting tray and have 4-6 strong true leaves, they are ready for transplanting.

[0023] Example 2 like Figure 1 As shown, a method for floating seedling cultivation of azaleas includes the following steps: 1) Seed harvesting and processing: From mid-November to early December, select healthy rhododendron capsules that are naturally formed, robust, and free from pests and diseases. After harvesting the capsules, place them in a well-ventilated and dry room to air dry naturally. After the capsules naturally crack open or are manually broken open, remove the shells. Use a 200-mesh seed sieve to remove any shell residue and immature small seeds. Pack the seeds into cloth bags and store them in a cool, ventilated, and dry place for later use. The storage time should not exceed three months.

[0024] 2) Seedling site selection: Choose a site that is open, sheltered from the wind and sunny, with convenient transportation and good water and electricity conditions.

[0025] 3) Seedling facility preparation: Construct a steel-framed shed or small arched shed as a seedling shed, covering it with a film and a shade net with a shading rate of approximately 80%. Construct or set up floating seedling ponds with a depth of approximately 15cm-20cm and a width sufficient for 2-5 seedling trays, ensuring a flat bottom and walkways approximately 30cm-50cm wide. Before use, spray the floating seedling ponds, walkways inside the shed, both sides of the shed, and ditches with a 400-fold dilution of disinfectant or a 500-fold dilution of potassium permanganate for disinfection. After disinfection, cover the floating seedling ponds with a black plastic film approximately 0.1mm-0.12mm thick.

[0026] 4) Nutrient solution preparation: Use clean water in the early stage, and apply nutrient solution after the seedlings grow true leaves. Gradually increase the EC value of the nutrient solution as the plant grows.

[0027] 5) Seedling tray preparation: Select 160-cell polystyrene foam trays with a length of 54cm and a width of 34cm, or 162-cell polystyrene foam trays with a length of 66cm and a width of 34cm. Before use, soak each cell in a 300-fold dilution of 25% metalaxyl-mancozeb, stack them neatly, cover them with plastic film and leave them for 24 hours. After rinsing with clean water, let them dry for later use.

[0028] 6) Substrate preparation: The substrate should consist of humus, perlite, and sawdust, crushed and mixed in a 6:2:2 ratio. It should be sterilized at high temperature before use. The substrate should be fine, loose, well-aerated, moisture-retentive, and sterile. Fill the seedling trays with the sterilized, moist substrate, gently level it, and set aside.

[0029] 7) Seed treatment before sowing: Soak seeds in 1% sodium hypochlorite solution for 10 to 15 minutes before sowing, rinse them with sterile water, and air dry them until they are loose and ready for sowing.

[0030] 8) Sowing method: Pour a small amount of seeds onto white paper, and use a dry, fine-bristled brush or toothpick to accurately sow them in the center of the substrate in the holes of the seedling tray. After sowing, cover with a thin layer of substrate to ensure full contact between the seeds and the substrate. On the day of sowing, place the seedlings in the seedling tray and arrange them neatly.

[0031] 9) Post-sowing management: Light intensity should be approximately 1000-2000 lux, with continuous light exposure for 12-16 hours daily. The ideal temperature is 15℃-25℃, and the ideal relative humidity is 80%-85%. If necessary, use a spray humidifier or cover the seeds with non-woven fabric or a transparent film to maintain moisture until most seeds germinate. Maintain the pH value within the acidic range of 4.5-5.5. After seedling roots have formed, an aerator can be used to oxygenate the nutrient solution to promote root development. The nutrient solution should be completely replaced every 1-2 weeks.

[0032] 10) Seedling Management and Transplanting: When the seedlings develop their first pair of true leaves, thin them out, leaving only the strongest seedling in each hole. When the seedlings have 2-3 true leaves, apply fertilizer. When the seedlings have developed a full root system and 4-6 strong true leaves in the seedling trays, they are ready for transplanting. Remove the seedling trays from the floating seedling bed and place them on the seedbed. Gradually increase light and ventilation while reducing watering to allow the seedlings to adapt to the non-floating terrestrial environment. This process should last 1-2 weeks. After hardening off, carefully remove the seedlings from the seedling trays and transplant them with soil into larger pots filled with azalea-specific cultivation substrate for the next stage of care.

[0033] This invention discloses a method for floating seedling cultivation of azaleas. Through in-depth research on this technology, it holds significant theoretical and practical value for improving the efficient seedling cultivation system, enhancing seedling quality, reducing production costs, and accelerating the selection and promotion of superior varieties. It also provides technical support for the preservation and innovative utilization of azalea germplasm resources. This technology is simple to manage, saves water and fertilizer, and facilitates the industrialized and standardized production of azalea seedlings.

[0034] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A method of rhododendron floating seedling culture, characterized in that, The method comprises the following steps: (1) Seed collection and treatment: Collect mature and healthy rhododendron capsules, dry naturally, break open to take seeds, remove impurities and store for later use; (2) Preparation of seedling raising facilities: Build a seedling raising shed in an open sunny site, set up a floating seedling raising pool, and lay black plastic film in the pool; (3) Preparation and sterilization of substrate: Mix humus soil, perlite and sawdust at a mass ratio of 6:2:2, sterilize and then load into seedling trays; (4) Treatment before sowing: Soak the seeds in 1% sodium hypochlorite solution for 10-15 minutes, rinse with sterile water and dry; (5) Sowing: Sow the seeds in the center of the substrate in the seedling tray, and cover with a thin layer of substrate; (6) Control of seedling raising environment: Place the seedling tray in the floating seedling raising pool, control the light intensity to be 1000-2000 lux, the light illumination time to be 12-16 hours per day, the temperature to be 15-25℃, the relative humidity to be 80-85%, and the pH value of the nutrient solution to be maintained at 4.5-5.5; (7) Seedling management: Time seedlings when the first pair of true leaves grow, and apply fertilizer after 2-3 true leaves grow; (8) Transplanting: Transplant after hardening when the seedling roots grow through the plug and have 4-6 true leaves.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, In step (1), the seed storage time is not more than three months.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the floating of the rhododendron seedlings is performed in a floating bed. In step (3), the seedling tray is a polystyrene foam tray, which is sterilized with 25% metalaxyl mancozeb 300 times solution for 24 hours before use.

4. The method for floating seedling of azalea according to claim 1, wherein, In step (3), the substrate is subjected to high-temperature sterilization treatment after preparation.

5. The method for floating seedling of azalea according to claim 1, wherein, In step (6), oxygenate the nutrient solution with an oxygenation pump after the seedling roots form, and replace the nutrient solution completely every 1-2 weeks.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the floating of the rhododendron seedlings is performed in a greenhouse. In step (6), use clean water initially, and gradually increase the EC value of the nutrient solution after the seedling grows true leaves.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the floating of the rhododendron seedlings is performed in a greenhouse. In step (8), the hardening includes: taking the seedlings out of the floating seedling raising pool, placing them on a seedbed to gradually increase light and ventilation, and reducing water supply, and then transplanting with soil after 1-2 weeks.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the floating of the rhododendron seedlings is performed in a greenhouse. In step (2), the floating seedling raising pool has a depth of 15-20 cm, and the pool width is appropriate to accommodate 2-5 seedling trays, and the width of the walkway between the pools is 30-50 cm.

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