A layering propagation method for Cyperus sparsely flowered

Abstract

The invention discloses a layering propagation method of a sparse-flowered cypress branch, adopts 1-3 year-old healthy lignified long branches, selects midsection branches and carries out budding process, budding position retains one-level short branches at rooting position, through ring barking, burying dry matrix to fix and cover, keep moisture and can realize the propagation of sparse-flowered cypress branch, can take root in 15 days, form new plant together with the retained one-level short branches, wherein burying dry matrix includes peat soil and river sand, and soaks with rooting powder solution, then drains excess water and mixes again and can use. The present invention can realize the propagation work of multiple sparse-flowered cypress branch seedlings by retaining multiple one-level short branches on lignified long branches, improves propagation efficiency, and ensures that rooting rate and seedling rate are all up to 100%; Simultaneously, because it is directly bred in native habitat, therefore can directly carry out field planting, field return efficiency is high, contributes to the natural renewal of native habitat population, enriches population quantity.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of endangered plant propagation technology, specifically relating to a layering propagation method for sparsely flowering juniper. Background Technology

[0002] The thin-flowered juniper has high academic research value and significant economic value. Over the past decade, its protection and related research have yielded substantial results, with successful experiments in both artificial cutting and seed propagation. For example, Chinese patent CN110754229A discloses a method for propagating thin-flowered juniper by tray cuttings, which involves alternately spraying ammonium polyphosphate and potassium dihydrogen phosphate at one end of the cutting after a certain time, eliminating the need for exogenous hormone treatment. Chinese patent CN114946662B discloses a method for rapid propagation using thin-flowered juniper stems. One-year-old stems are used as explants, soaked in GA3, wrapped in plastic wrap, and then subjected to alternating low-temperature and high-temperature treatments. They are then laid flat on a culture medium and covered, reaching transplantability in about 18 days. This significantly shortens the propagation and seedling cultivation cycle and is not limited by time or season. Chinese patent CN110771416A discloses a method for artificial propagation of thin-flowered juniper seeds. The method involves spraying fully mature seeds on fruit branches with water until the white hairs no longer fall off, soaking them in water, and then directly sowing them in a mixture of mud and sand. Maintaining humidity will allow the seeds to germinate. After a period of time, spraying potassium dihydrogen phosphate and cake fertilizer solution will complete the propagation of thin-flowered juniper.

[0003] However, in its native habitat, the seed propagation of *Myricaria sparsely-flowered* is severely affected by factors such as soil moisture content, soil temperature, soil type, and flood erosion, significantly impacting germination rates. This leads to difficulties in natural regeneration and exacerbates the species' endangered status. While cutting propagation has a higher success rate, the utilization rate of cuttings is low, and cuttings from older branches are less effective, resulting in low efficiency in reintroduction into the wild. Therefore, in-situ propagation of *Myricaria sparsely-flowered* in the wild still faces the dilemma of difficult natural regeneration of the native population and a sharp decline in population size. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this invention discloses a layering propagation method for sparsely-flowered juniper, which has a fast return rate and a high rate of branch seedling formation, effectively enriching the wild population and accelerating the natural regeneration rate of the native population.

[0005] The technical solution adopted in this invention is as follows:

[0006] 1. A method for propagating sparsely-flowered juniper by layering, characterized by comprising the following steps:

[0007] (1) Select healthy, vigorous lignified long branches that are 1-3 years old and free from pests and diseases. The branches should be over 100cm long and the newly sprouted first-level short branches should be 3-5cm long. Bend them close to the ground and select the middle section of the branches that are to be buried. The length of the branches should be 50-55cm and mark both ends.

[0008] (2) Determine the rooting and sprouting sites based on the angle of inclination of the branches to the ground. Remove buds at the rooting sites in the middle section of the branches and reserve 5 primary short branches at the sprouting sites.

[0009] (3) Perform girdling treatment on the marked area at the base of the middle section of the branch, with an environmental protection depth of 0.4-0.6cm and extending to the xylem;

[0010] (4) Set up a sand pit 50-60cm long, 4-5cm wide and 5-6cm deep at the middle section of the branch close to the ground, and remove stones, tree roots and weeds from the sand pit and its surroundings.

[0011] (5) Prepare a dry substrate using peat moss and river sand, soak it in rooting powder for 1-2 hours, drain off excess water until no water overflows when you squeeze the dry substrate, and stir it again for later use.

[0012] (6) Fill the sand pit with the burial substrate obtained in step (5), gently compact it until it no longer sinks, fix the middle section of the branch, cover it with the burial substrate, expose the reserved first-level short branches on the surface of the substrate, and then fill it with river sand.

[0013] (7) Replenish water in a timely manner and keep the moisture content of the buried substrate at 50-60%. When the average length of the new roots of each bud is 2-3cm and the number of roots reaches 3-4, cut the branches at the girdling point to form an independent clump of new plants with 5 seedlings.

[0014] Preferably, the mass ratio of peat soil to river sand in the dry substrate described in step (5) is 2:1, and the rooting powder is ABT rooting powder No. 1.

[0015] More preferably, the concentration of ABT rooting powder No. 1 is 40 mg / L.

[0016] Preferably, the filling depth of the buried dry substrate in step (6) is 3-4 cm, and the filling depth of the river sand is 2-3 cm.

[0017] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: Layering is used for in-situ propagation of *Myricaria latifolia*, where 1-3 year old lignified long branches can be selected for propagation, achieving a 100% rooting and seedling survival rate. Furthermore, by retaining the primary short branches on the lignified long branches after layering, up to five *Myricaria latifolia* seedlings can be produced simultaneously from a single branch, resulting in high propagation efficiency. Moreover, the *Myricaria latifolia* seedlings obtained through layering can be directly planted in the wild without the need for complex reintroduction treatments, significantly improving reintroduction efficiency, accelerating the regeneration of *Myricaria latifolia* populations in their native habitat, enriching the wild population, and mitigating the extinction crisis.

[0018] This invention treats the rooting substrate with rooting powder, ensuring the substrate is uniformly infused with the powder. This allows the sparsely flowering juniper branches to be evenly exposed to the powder, guaranteeing rooting effectiveness while increasing the number of rooting sites. This allows new roots to grow simultaneously at multiple locations on the branches, resulting in multiple seedlings and improving propagation efficiency. Furthermore, it simplifies the propagation method, solving the problems of tediousness and high workload associated with applying rooting powder, thus further enhancing propagation efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the basal girdling treatment of the middle section of the thin-flowered juniper branch in Example 1.

[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the location of the girdled section of the sparsely-flowered juniper branch when the trunk is buried, as shown in Example 1.

[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the middle section of a sparsely flowering juniper branch covered with a rooting substrate in Example 1.

[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the thinning of flowering juniper branches in Example 1, where the branches are covered with a substrate and then covered with river sand.

[0023] Figure 5 This shows the rooting status of the thinly flowering juniper branches after 15 days of propagation by burying the trunk in Example 1.

[0024] Figure 6 This is the growth of the sparsely flowering juniper branches propagated by burying the trunk three months after the propagation in Example 1, which were then separated into independent plants. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The technical solution of the present invention will be further explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It is worth noting that the following embodiments are only preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. The scope of protection of the present invention is determined by the contents of the claims. Modifications and substitutions made by those skilled in the art to the technical solution of the present invention without creative effort all fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0026] In the following examples, ABT Rooting Powder No. 1 was purchased from Beijing Aibiti Biotechnology Co., Ltd., with an effective ingredient content of 50%, including 20% ​​naphthaleneacetic acid and 30% indoleacetic acid.

[0027] Example 1

[0028] Layering propagation experiments were conducted at the end of August each year during the growing season of the buds and leaves of thinly flowering juniper branches. The specific method is as follows:

[0029] (1) Select one-year-old, disease-free, vigorous, lignified long branches with a length and height ≥100cm, and newly sprouted first-level short branches with a length of 3-5cm.

[0030] (2) Bend the selected sparse flowering water cypress branches close to the ground in place, and bury the middle section of the branch in the ground for 50cm. Mark the two ends of the branch.

[0031] (3) Determine the rooting and sprouting points of the branches based on the angle of inclination between the branches and the ground. Remove all the buds at the rooting points and retain 5 plump and vigorous first-level short branches at the sprouting points.

[0032] (4) Ring bark the middle section of the sparsely flowering water juniper branches near the marked base of the branches, about 0.5 cm deep to the xylem;

[0033] (5) Dig a sand pit 50-60cm long, 4-5cm wide and 5-6cm deep near the ground where the middle section of the pre-buried thin-flowered water juniper branch is close to the ground, and remove stones, tree roots and weeds from the bottom and around the sand pit.

[0034] (6) Prepare a dry substrate by mixing peat soil and river sand in a mass ratio of 2:1. Then, prepare a 40mg / L aqueous solution of ABT rooting powder No. 1 and soak the dry substrate for 1-2 hours. After soaking, drain the excess water from the substrate (until no water overflows when you squeeze the substrate by hand). After taking it out, stir it again to get the dry substrate.

[0035] (7) Fill the buried substrate obtained in step (6) into the sand pit dug in step (5) to a depth of 3-4cm, making it 2-3cm lower than the sand pit. Gently press the substrate with your hands until it no longer sinks. Then press the 50cm part of the middle section of the branch obtained in step (4) into the middle of the sand pit filled with substrate. Use inverted U-shaped bamboo strips to fix the middle part of the branch and bricks to press it down, so that the pressed branch is in close contact with the substrate.

[0036] (8) After fixing the branches, cover and compact all the branches with the prepared rooting substrate, then fill the sand pit with river sand to the same height as the ground. The depth of the river sand filling should be 2-3cm, and expose the 5 reserved full and vigorous first-level short branches on the surface of the substrate to complete the rooting.

[0037] (9) After burying the trunk, check the moisture content of the substrate every day and replenish water as needed to maintain the substrate moisture content at 50-60%. After 15 days, dig up the substrate profile along one side of the sand pit to check the rooting situation and count the rooting rate. When the new roots of the thinned flowering juniper branches are buried and the average length of the new roots of each bud is 2-3cm and the number of roots reaches 3-4, cut the branches at the girdling point to form an independent new plant clump with 5 seedlings. Count the seedling rate after 15 days.

[0038] Example 2

[0039] The method and steps are the same as in Example 1, except that the healthy, vigorous lignified long branches of one year are replaced with healthy, vigorous lignified long branches of two years, and five primary short branches are retained at the budding site. Layering propagation is carried out and the rooting rate and seedling rate are counted.

[0040] Example 3

[0041] The method and steps are the same as in Example 1, except that the healthy, vigorous lignified long branches that are free from pests and diseases are replaced with healthy, vigorous lignified long branches that are free from pests and diseases. Five primary short branches are retained at the budding site. Layering propagation is carried out and the rooting rate and seedling rate are counted.

[0042] Implement column 4

[0043] The method and steps are the same as in Example 1, except that the one-year-old disease-free and vigorous lignified long branches are replaced with four-year-old disease-free and vigorous lignified long branches, and five primary short branches are retained at the budding site. Layering propagation is carried out and the rooting rate and seedling rate are counted.

[0044] Example 5

[0045] The method and steps are the same as in Example 1, except that 10 primary short branches are retained at the budding site for layering propagation, and the rooting rate and seedling rate are counted.

[0046] Example 6

[0047] The methods and steps are the same as in Example 1, except that the propagation time for layering is changed to early March, and the rooting rate and seedling rate are statistically analyzed.

[0048] Example 7

[0049] The methods and steps are the same as in Example 1, except that the layering propagation time is changed to early October, and the rooting rate and seedling rate are statistically analyzed.

[0050] Comparative Example 1

[0051] The method and steps are the same as in Example 1, except that the entire dry substrate is replaced with river sand, and layering propagation is carried out, and the rooting rate and seedling rate are counted.

[0052] Comparative Example 2

[0053] The methods and steps are the same as in Example 1, except that the concentration of ABT rooting powder No. 1 is set to 0 mg / L (without adding any rooting agent), and layering propagation is carried out, and the rooting rate and seedling rate are counted.

[0054] Comparative Example 3

[0055] The methods and steps are the same as in Example 1, except that the concentration of ABT rooting powder No. 1 is changed to 80 mg / L. Layering propagation is carried out and the rooting rate and seedling rate are counted.

[0056] Table 1. Rooting rate and seedling survival rate of sparsely-flowered juniper under different treatment conditions.

[0057]

[0058]

[0059] The results show:

[0060] As shown in Table 1, Examples 1-3 (1-3 year old branches) had significantly higher rooting rate, seedling rate, and number of seedlings than other examples and comparative examples. This indicates that 1-3 year old thin-flowered juniper branches are most suitable for outdoor layering propagation. Four-year-old seedlings have a higher degree of lignification, and their rooting ability is significantly reduced, affecting the later seedling rate. Examples 6 and 7 also showed a decreasing trend in rooting rate and seedling rate at different layering times. Comparative Example 1, using river sand as the rooting substrate, had a lower rooting rate and seedling rate than Examples 1-3, which used peat moss:river sand in a mass ratio of 2:1 as the rooting substrate due to its poor air permeability and water retention. Comparing Comparative Examples 2 and 3, ABT rooting powder No. 1 had a significant impact on the rooting of thin-flowered juniper. The rooting rate actually decreased when ABT rooting powder No. 1 was not added or when the concentration was increased to 2 times. Therefore, it can be seen that the method of propagating sparsely-flowered juniper by layering in the wild is to propagate sparsely-flowered juniper in situ. The propagation branches should be 1-3 year old lignified long branches, and the concentration of ABT rooting powder No. 1 should be 40mg / L. The rooting substrate should be peat soil: river sand in a mass ratio of 2:1. The best time to propagate is at the end of August each year.

[0061] The *Myricaria sparsely-flowered* seedlings obtained in Examples 1-3 were further cultivated in sand pits until they reached a height of 15-20 cm or more and a root length of 6-8 cm or more. Branches were then cut at points with fewer roots, allowing newly grown clumps of seedlings to separate into complete, independent plants. These were then allowed to grow directly in their native habitat. Conventional water and fertilizer management was implemented, and after 30 days, the seedling survival rate was 100%. *Myricaria sparsely-flowered* seedlings propagated through layering can be directly planted in the wild, eliminating the need for a return to the wild and ensuring a high survival rate for seedlings planted directly in the wild.

Claims

1. A method for propagating sparsely-flowered juniper by layering, characterized in that: Includes the following steps: (1) Select healthy, vigorous lignified branches free from pests and diseases, bend them close to the ground, select the pre-buried middle section branches, and mark both ends; (2) Determine the rooting and sprouting points based on the angle of inclination of the branch to the ground. Remove buds at the rooting points of the middle section of the branch and reserve first-level short branches at the sprouting points. (3) Perform girdling treatment on the marked area at the base of the middle section of the branch; (4) Set up a sand pit where the middle section of the branch is close to the ground, and remove the stones, tree roots and weeds in and around the sand pit; (5) Prepare a dry substrate using peat moss and river sand, soak it in rooting powder for 1-2 hours, drain off excess water until no water overflows when you squeeze the dry substrate, and stir it again for later use. (6) Fill the sand pit with the substrate obtained in step (5), gently compact it until it no longer sinks, fix the middle section of the branch, cover it with the substrate, expose the reserved first-level short branches on the surface of the substrate, and then fill it with river sand. (7) Replenish water in a timely manner to maintain the moisture content of the buried substrate. When the average length of the new roots of each bud is 2-3cm and the number of roots reaches 3-4, cut the branches at the girdling point to form an independent new plant clump with 5 seedlings. The lignified long branches mentioned in step (1) are 1-3 years old, with a branch length of more than 100cm. The length of the newly sprouted first-order short branches on the lignified long branches is 3-5cm, and the length of the middle section branches is 50-55cm. The number of primary short branches reserved on the middle section of the branch mentioned in step (2) is 5; The rooting powder mentioned in step (5) is ABT rooting powder No. 1, with a concentration of 40 mg / L.

2. The layering propagation method of sparsely-flowered juniper according to claim 1, characterized in that: The girdling depth described in step (3) is 0.4-0.6 cm, penetrating deep into the xylem.

3. The method for propagating sparsely-flowered juniper by layering according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sandpit mentioned in step (4) is 50-60cm long, 4-5cm wide, and 5-6cm deep.

4. The method for propagating sparsely-flowered juniper by layering according to claim 1, characterized in that: The mass ratio of peat soil to river sand in the buried dry substrate described in step (5) is 2:

1.

5. The method for propagating sparsely-flowered juniper by layering according to claim 1, characterized in that: The filling depth of the dry substrate in step (6) is 3-4 cm, and the filling depth of the river sand is 2-3 cm.

6. The method for propagating sparsely-flowered juniper by layering according to claim 1, characterized in that: The moisture content of the buried dry substrate in step (7) is 50-60%.

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