A method for propagating mangoes by air layering

Abstract

This invention proposes a method for air layering propagation of mangoes, belonging to the field of mango propagation technology. Mango propagation is mainly carried out through grafting or top grafting, which is highly dependent on the rootstock. In production, inappropriate rootstock selection can easily lead to the underutilization of superior varietal characteristics. The air layering method of this invention involves cutting a branch with xylem into slices, applying rooting powder, and then inserting it into a container with water. The mineral nutrients and water absorbed from the roots can still be transported to the branches above the cut through the branch's vascular bundles. Furthermore, the photosynthetic products of the leaves above the cut are transported to the wound to form callus tissue and promote root growth, resulting in rapid root development. This mango air layering propagation method preserves the genetic characteristics of the mango tree. This mango air layering propagation method of this invention has advantages such as low cost, simple operation, short time, high survival rate, and no need to consider whether the air-layered branches easily separate from the bark.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of mango propagation technology, and in particular relates to a method for aerial layering propagation of mangoes. Background Technology

[0002] Mangoes originated in countries like India and are a typical tropical fruit tree. The fruit is sweet and popular with consumers. Ripe mangoes can be eaten raw or made into preserves, dried fruit, and canned goods; unripe mangoes can be used to make jam, vinegar, wine, and flour. The kernel can be used as an insecticide or astringent, the pit can be used medicinally and as a dye raw material, the flowers can be used in medicine and as food, the wood is dense, tough, and seawater resistant, and can be used to make boats, vehicles, and utensils; yellow dye can be extracted from the leaves and bark, and tannin can be extracted from the dried flowers. The mango is truly a treasure trove. Mangoes have been cultivated for thousands of years and are widely cultivated in southern China.

[0003] Mango is a cross-pollinated tropical arborescent fruit tree. Common propagation methods include sexual reproduction (seed propagation) and asexual reproduction (grafting). Seedlings obtained through seed propagation cannot maintain the original traits of superior varieties, and the cultivation cycle for seed propagation is long. Therefore, sexual propagation is generally only used in the selection process. In production, the main propagation methods for mango seedlings are grafting or top grafting, using seedlings as rootstock and mature branches of superior varieties as scions. However, this method is highly dependent on the rootstock; inappropriate rootstock selection can easily lead to the failure to fully realize the characteristics of superior varieties. Currently, the publicly available or reported high-branch layering method cannot obtain seedlings with good root development, and there is currently no known method for reasonably utilizing high-branch layering to obtain mango seedlings. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this invention proposes a method for aerial layering propagation of mangoes, which boasts high rooting and transplant survival rates and solves the problem of seasonal limitations imposed on layering.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0006] A method for propagating mangoes by air layering includes the following steps:

[0007] Select mango trees that are 3 years or older as mother trees, and select healthy mango branches that are 1 to 2 years old from the mother trees;

[0008] Cut the selected mango branch down to the xylem;

[0009] Apply rooting powder to the cut mango branches;

[0010] Insert one end of the mango branch, which has been cut and coated with rooting powder, into the container;

[0011] Secure the container to the mother tree;

[0012] Add water to the container and seal the container opening. Observe the amount of water in the container and the rooting situation every 8 to 12 days, and replenish the water in time (replenish to the original water level, that is, enough to submerge the cut wood).

[0013] Once the mango branches have fully rooted, cut them off and transplant them.

[0014] Mangoes are primarily propagated through grafting or top grafting, which heavily relies on rootstock. Inappropriate rootstock selection can prevent the full development of superior varietal characteristics. This invention addresses air layering by cutting a branch with xylem attached, applying rooting powder, and inserting it into a water-filled container. Mineral nutrients and water absorbed from the roots are still transported to the branches above the cut via the branch's vascular system. Furthermore, photosynthetic products from the leaves above the cut are transported to the wound site to form callus tissue and promote root growth, resulting in rapid root development. This mango air layering method preserves the genetic characteristics of the mango tree. This method offers advantages such as low cost, simple operation, short processing time, high survival rate, and no need to consider the ease with which the air-layered branches will separate from the bark.

[0015] Furthermore, the step of cutting the selected mango branch to reach the xylem specifically involves cutting the selected mango branch from bottom to top, cutting to the xylem, with a cut thickness of 0.3–0.5 cm and a cut length of 8–10 cm. Because the cambium layer between the xylem and phloem must be preserved, roots will not develop if the xylem is not cut.

[0016] Furthermore, the container should be fixed to the mother tree for at least two months. Maintaining it for at least two months is to increase the number of roots and allow the roots to mature further, thereby improving the survival rate of transplanting.

[0017] Furthermore, the container is a transparent plastic bottle. The transparent container allows for easy observation of the water level inside, enabling timely replenishment.

[0018] Furthermore, water is added to the container, which is at least one of well water, stream water, or lake water.

[0019] Furthermore, when the mango branch grows more than 5 new roots, cut off the mango branch and transplant it. Under normal circumstances, more than 5 new roots will grow within 60 days.

[0020] Furthermore, the specific steps for cutting off and transplanting the mango branches after they have fully rooted are as follows: cut off the mango branches and transplant them into nutrient soil. When transplanting, remove the leaves from the mango branches, provide shade, and manage water and fertilizer at the same time.

[0021] Furthermore, shading is specifically carried out by using a shading net with a light transmittance of 70-80%.

[0022] Furthermore, the nutrient soil is a mixture of garden soil, coconut coir, and well-rotted organic fertilizer.

[0023] Furthermore, the mass ratio of the garden soil, coconut coir, and decomposed organic fertilizer is (2-4):(2-4):(3-5).

[0024] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages and technical effects:

[0025] The mango air layering propagation method of this invention offers advantages such as low cost, simple operation, short time, high survival rate, and no need to consider whether the air-layered branches easily separate from the bark. Specifically, air layering involves cutting a branch with xylem into a slice, applying rooting powder, and then inserting it into a container with water. The mineral nutrients and water absorbed from the roots can still be transported to the branches above the cut through the branch's vascular bundles. Furthermore, the photosynthetic products of the leaves above the cut are transported to the wound to form callus tissue and promote root growth, resulting in rapid root development. Mango propagation is mainly done through grafting or top grafting, which is highly dependent on the rootstock. Inappropriate rootstock selection can easily lead to the underutilization of superior varietal characteristics. The mango air layering propagation method of this invention maintains the genetic characteristics of the mango tree and solves the problem of seasonal limitations associated with air layering. Attached Figure Description

[0026] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this application, are used to provide a further understanding of this application. The illustrative embodiments and descriptions of this application are used to explain this application and do not constitute an undue limitation of this application. In the drawings:

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic flowchart of the mango aerial layering propagation method of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 2 The photo in the middle shows a selected, robust mango branch;

[0029] Figure 3 A photograph showing the cutting of selected mango branches;

[0030] Figure 4 A photo of rooting powder applied to a cut mango branch;

[0031] Figure 5 A photo of a mango branch, cut and coated with rooting powder, being inserted into a container;

[0032] Figure 6 A photograph showing the container being attached to the mother tree;

[0033] Figure 7 A photograph showing water being added to a container and the container opening being sealed.

[0034] Figure 8 A photo showing mango branches being cut and transplanted. Detailed Implementation

[0035] Various exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail. This detailed description should not be considered as a limitation of the present invention, but rather as a more detailed description of certain aspects, features, and embodiments of the present invention.

[0036] It should be understood that the terminology used in this invention is merely for describing particular embodiments and is not intended to limit the invention. Furthermore, with respect to numerical ranges in this invention, it should be understood that each intermediate value between the upper and lower limits of the range is also specifically disclosed. Every smaller range between any stated value or intermediate value within a stated range, and any other stated value or intermediate value within said range, is also included in this invention. The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges may be independently included or excluded from the range.

[0037] Unless otherwise stated, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. While only preferred methods and materials have been described herein, any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein may be used in the implementation or testing of this invention. All references to this specification are incorporated by way of citation to disclose and describe methods and / or materials associated with those references. In the event of any conflict with any incorporated reference, the content of this specification shall prevail.

[0038] Various modifications and variations can be made to the specific embodiments described in this specification without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Other embodiments derived from this specification will also be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. This specification and embodiments are merely exemplary.

[0039] The terms “include,” “including,” “have,” “contain,” etc., used in this article are all open-ended terms, meaning that they include but are not limited to.

[0040] Patent CN 107371752 A discloses a method for propagating mango seedlings with consistent genetic background through high-branch layering. This patent involves girdling the branch, removing the phloem, and then wrapping it. In contrast, the method of this invention involves cutting upwards along the xylem while preserving the phloem. CN 107371752 A is best performed when the bark is easily separated, thus having seasonal limitations. The method of this invention does not require consideration of ease of separation, allowing it to be performed year-round, perfectly solving the problem of seasonal limitations in layering. Furthermore, if the girdling in CN 107371752 A is too small, it heals quickly without rooting, but this phenomenon does not occur with the method of this invention.

[0041] This invention provides a method for aerial layering propagation of mangoes, as illustrated in the flowchart below. Figure 1 As shown, it includes the following steps:

[0042] S1. Select mango trees that are 3 years or older as mother trees, and select healthy mango branches that are 1 to 2 years old from the mother trees;

[0043] S2. Cut the selected mango branch down to the xylem;

[0044] S3. Apply rooting powder to the cut mango branches;

[0045] S4. Insert one end of the mango branch that has been cut and coated with rooting powder into the container;

[0046] S5. Secure the container to the mother tree;

[0047] S6. Add water to the container and seal the container opening. Observe the amount of water in the container and the rooting situation every 8-12 days, and replenish the water in time.

[0048] S7. Once the mango branches have fully rooted, cut them off and transplant them.

[0049] Specifically, in step S1, from April to October each year, select healthy mango trees over 3 years old, free from pests and diseases, as mother trees. The selection of high-quality mother trees ensures the rooting rate of the branches and the inheritance of excellent genetic traits from the mother tree. From the mother tree, select robust 1-2 year old mango branches for later use. In step S2, select a smooth, straight section of the mango branch and make a cut with a knife, reaching the xylem. After cutting, use toothpicks or small twigs to prop up the cut mango branch from the lowest point of the cut and let it air dry for 30 minutes to promote surface moisture absorption. To prevent the loss of roots; in step S3, apply rooting powder to the inside and outside of the cut of the mango branch; in step S4, insert one end of the cut mango branch coated with rooting powder into the container; in step S5, fix the container to the mother tree using thread, such as wire or cable ties; in step S6, add water to the container and seal the container opening with plastic film, observe the amount of water and rooting status in the container every 8-12 days, and replenish water in time; in step S7, after the mango branch has fully rooted, cut off the mango branch and transplant it for management. The mango air layering propagation method of this invention offers advantages such as low cost, simple operation, short time, high survival rate, and larger plant size for mango tree propagation and seedling cultivation. Specifically, air layering involves cutting a branch with xylem attached, applying rooting powder, and then inserting it into a plastic bottle containing water. Mineral nutrients and water absorbed from the roots can still be transported to the branches above the cut through the branch's vascular bundles. Furthermore, photosynthetic products from the leaves above the cut are transported to the wound site to form callus tissue and promote root growth, resulting in rapid root development. Mango propagation is primarily done through grafting or top grafting, which is highly dependent on the rootstock. Inappropriate rootstock selection in production can easily prevent the full development of superior varietal characteristics. The mango air layering propagation method of this invention preserves the genetic characteristics of the mango tree.

[0050] In some embodiments, during the step of adding water to the container, the water is at least one of well water, stream water, and lake water, and tap water is not used.

[0051] In some embodiments, the container is a transparent plastic bottle. Specifically, the transparent plastic bottle can be a regular beverage bottle or a mineral water bottle; if it is a beverage bottle, it must be rinsed with water before use.

[0052] In some embodiments, after the mango branches have fully rooted, cutting off and transplanting the mango branches specifically involves cutting off the mango branches and transplanting them into nutrient bags filled with nutrient soil. When transplanting, the leaves on the mango branches are removed, and shading is provided, while water and fertilizer management is carried out.

[0053] Specifically, water thoroughly immediately after transplanting, do not fertilize for the first half month, and apply a small amount of water and fertilizer after half a month. Once new leaves grow, you can manage the plant according to normal management methods.

[0054] In some embodiments, the nutrient soil can be common seedling nutrient soil, as long as it is loose, breathable, and has good water retention.

[0055] In some embodiments, the rooting powder may be ABT7 rooting powder.

[0056] In some embodiments, cutting the selected mango branch down to the xylem specifically involves: cutting the selected mango branch from bottom to top with a knife until the xylem is reached, with a cutting thickness of 0.3–0.5 cm and a cutting length of 8–10 cm. Here, cutting thickness refers to the radial length of the mango branch, and cutting length refers to the axial length of the mango branch.

[0057] In some embodiments, the container is fixed to the mother tree and kept there for at least two months.

[0058] In some embodiments, when the mango branch has grown more than 5 new roots, the mango branch is cut off and transplanted.

[0059] In some embodiments, shading specifically involves using a shading net with a light transmittance of 70-80%.

[0060] In some embodiments, the nutrient soil comprises a mixture of garden soil (soil directly collected from a mango orchard), coconut coir, and well-rotted organic fertilizer, wherein the mass ratio of garden soil, coconut coir, and well-rotted organic fertilizer is (2-4):(2-4):(3-5), preferably, the mass ratio of garden soil, coconut coir, and well-rotted organic fertilizer is 3:3:4. The method for preparing the well-rotted organic fertilizer includes fermenting fresh livestock manure (such as pig manure, cow manure, etc.), bedding materials, and plant stems and leaves to obtain the well-rotted organic fertilizer.

[0061] Further reference Figures 2-8 , Figure 2 The middle section is made from a healthy mango branch. Figure 3 To cut the selected mango branches. Figure 4 To apply rooting powder to the cut mango branches, Figure 5 To insert one end of a mango branch that has been cut and coated with rooting powder into a container, Figure 6 To secure the container to the mother tree, Figure 7 To add water to the container and seal the container opening, Figure 8 To cut and transplant mango branches.

[0062] The following specific embodiments further illustrate the mango aerial layering propagation method of the present invention.

[0063] Example 1

[0064] A method for propagating mangoes by air layering:

[0065] S1. In April, select mango trees of Taiwan Agricultural University that are more than 3 years old as mother trees, and select healthy 2-year-old mango branches from the mother trees.

[0066] S2. Select a smooth, straight section of the mango branch and cut from bottom to top with a knife, reaching the xylem. The cut thickness should be 0.3cm and the cut length should be 8cm.

[0067] S3. Apply ABT7 rooting powder to the inside and outside of the cut surfaces of the mango branches.

[0068] S4. Insert one end of the mango branch that has been cut and coated with rooting powder into a transparent plastic bottle;

[0069] S5. Use cable ties to secure the plastic bottle to the mother tree;

[0070] S6. Add stream water to the plastic bottle and seal the bottle opening with plastic film. Observe the amount of water in the container and the rooting situation every 10 days, and replenish the water in time (when the water level cannot cover the cutting part, water needs to be added).

[0071] S7. When more than 5 new roots have grown, the mango branch can be cut off and transplanted into a nutrient bag filled with potting soil. Remove the leaves from the branch during transplanting. After transplanting, water thoroughly and place the branch in a shade net with 75% light transmittance. Water only for the first 15 days, without fertilizing. After 15 days, apply a 5% diluted solution of Flower Power water-soluble fertilizer. Once new leaves appear, manage the branch according to normal methods. The potting soil consists of a mixture of garden soil, coconut coir, and well-rotted organic fertilizer, with a mass ratio of 3:3:4. In this example, the entire process from applying rooting powder to transplanting into the nutrient bag takes 60 days.

[0072] Example 2

[0073] A method for propagating mangoes by air layering:

[0074] S1. In April, select a Golden Emperor mango tree that is more than 3 years old as the mother tree, and select a healthy 2-year-old mango branch from the mother tree.

[0075] S2. Select a smooth, straight section of the mango branch and cut from bottom to top with a knife, reaching the xylem. The cut thickness should be 0.4cm and the cut length should be 9cm.

[0076] S3. Apply ABT7 rooting powder to the inside and outside of the cut surfaces of the mango branches.

[0077] S4. Insert one end of the mango branch that has been cut and coated with rooting powder into a transparent plastic bottle;

[0078] S5. Use cable ties to secure the plastic bottle to the mother tree;

[0079] S6. Add stream water to the plastic bottle and seal the bottle opening with plastic film. Observe the amount of water in the container and the rooting situation every 10 days, and replenish the water in time.

[0080] S7. When more than 5 new roots have grown, the mango branch can be cut off and transplanted into a nutrient bag filled with potting soil. Remove the leaves from the branch during transplanting. After transplanting, water thoroughly and place the branch in a shade net with 75% light transmittance. Water only for the first 15 days, without fertilizing. After 15 days, apply a 5% diluted solution of Flower Power water-soluble fertilizer. Once new leaves appear, manage the branch according to normal methods. The potting soil consists of a mixture of garden soil, coconut coir, and well-rotted organic fertilizer, with a mass ratio of 3:3:4. In this example, the entire process from applying rooting powder to transplanting into the nutrient bag took 58 days.

[0081] Example 3

[0082] A method for propagating mangoes by air layering includes the following steps:

[0083] S1. In April, select a Guifei mango tree that is more than 3 years old as the mother tree, and select a healthy 2-year-old mango branch from the mother tree.

[0084] S2. Select a smooth, straight section of the mango branch and cut from bottom to top with a knife, reaching the xylem. The cut thickness should be 0.5cm and the cut length should be 10cm.

[0085] S3. Apply ABT7 rooting powder to the inside and outside of the cut surfaces of the mango branches.

[0086] S4. Insert one end of the mango branch that has been cut and coated with rooting powder into a transparent plastic bottle;

[0087] S5. Use cable ties to secure the plastic bottle to the mother tree;

[0088] S6. Add stream water to the plastic bottle and seal the bottle opening with plastic film. Observe the amount of water in the container and the rooting situation every 10 days, and replenish the water in time.

[0089] S7. When more than 5 new roots have grown, the mango branch can be cut off and transplanted into a nutrient bag filled with potting soil. Remove the leaves from the branch during transplanting. After transplanting, water thoroughly and place the branch in a shade net with 75% light transmittance. Water only for the first 15 days, without fertilizing. After 15 days, apply a 5% diluted solution of Flower Power water-soluble fertilizer. Once new leaves appear, manage the branch according to normal methods. The potting soil consists of a mixture of garden soil, coconut coir, and well-rotted organic fertilizer, with a mass ratio of 3:3:4. In this example, the entire process from applying rooting powder to transplanting into the nutrient bag takes 60 days.

[0090] Comparative Example 1

[0091] Same as in Example 2, except that the specific operation in step S2 is to cut down to the phloem.

[0092] Because the cutting in this comparative example did not reach the xylem, the rooting rate was 75%, and the transplant survival rate was 97.5%.

[0093] Comparative Example 2

[0094] Similar to Example 2, the only difference is that in step S2, instead of cutting, ABT7 rooting powder is directly applied to one end of the healthy mango branch selected in step S1.

[0095] Because this comparative example was not cut, it did not take root.

[0096] Comparative Example 3

[0097] Same as Example 2, except that S4 uses an opaque plastic bottle. Since the bottle is opaque, the water level cannot be observed, so no water is added.

[0098] This comparative example used an opaque plastic bottle, and water was not replenished in time during the rooting process, resulting in a reduced rooting rate of 58% and a transplant survival rate of 97%.

[0099] The rooting rate and transplant survival rate of mango branches in the test examples 1-3 and comparative examples 1-3 were measured, and the results are shown in Table 1.

[0100] Table 1 shows the rooting rate and transplant survival rate of mango branches in Examples 1-3.

[0101] Example Processing date Survey Date Mango varieties Rooting rate / % Transplant survival rate / % Example 1 early April mid-to-late May Taiwanese farmers 96.5 97.0 Example 2 early April mid-to-late May Jinhuang 97.0 97.5 Example 3 early April mid-to-late May Imperial Concubine 97.0 97.0 Comparative Example 1 early April mid-to-late May Jinhuang 75 97.5 Comparative Example 2 early April mid-to-late May Jinhuang 0 0 Comparative Example 3 early April mid-to-late May Jinhuang 58 97

[0102] As shown in Table 1, the results of air layering of mangoes using water as the culture medium can achieve a rooting rate and transplant survival rate of over 96.5% for the main mango varieties cultivated in production. The method of the present invention is simple and easy to operate, the materials are readily available and the cost is low, and the seedling effect is good.

[0103] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A method for aerial layering propagation of mangoes, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Select mango trees that are 3 years or older as mother trees, and select healthy mango branches that are 1 to 2 years old from the mother trees; Cut the selected mango branch down to the xylem, leaving the phloem intact; Apply rooting powder to the cut mango branches; Insert one end of the mango branch, which has been cut and coated with rooting powder, into the container; Secure the container to the mother tree; Add water to the container and seal the container opening. Observe the amount of water in the container and the rooting situation every 8-12 days, and replenish the water in time. When the mango branch has grown more than 5 new roots, cut off the mango branch and transplant it. The specific steps of cutting the selected mango branch to the xylem are as follows: cut the selected mango branch from bottom to top, cutting to the xylem, with a cutting thickness of 0.3~0.5cm and a cutting length of 8~10cm; Keep the container attached to the mother tree for at least 2 months.

2. The mango aerial layering propagation method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The container is a transparent plastic bottle.

3. The mango aerial layering propagation method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water added to the container is at least one of well water, stream water, and lake water.

4. The mango aerial layering propagation method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The process of cutting off and transplanting the mango branches after they have fully rooted involves cutting off the branches and transplanting them into nutrient soil. During transplanting, the leaves on the mango branches are removed, and the branches are shaded. Water and fertilizer management is also carried out.

5. The mango aerial layering propagation method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The specific method for shading is to use a shading net with a light transmittance of 70-80%.

6. The mango aerial layering propagation method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The nutrient soil is a mixture of garden soil, coconut coir, and well-rotted organic fertilizer.

7. The mango aerial layering propagation method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The mass ratio of garden soil, coconut coir and decomposed organic fertilizer is (2~4):(2~4):(3~5).

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