Method for 3D printing a grafting auxiliary sleeve and use thereof

Abstract

The application provides a method for 3D printing of a grafting auxiliary sleeve and application thereof, and the preparation method of the grafting sleeve comprises the following steps: 1) obtaining stock diameter data R1, scion diameter data R2 and scion length L; 2) obtaining wide diameter and narrow diameter data of the grafting sleeve, wherein the grafting sleeve comprises a stock sleeve and a scion sleeve; 3) inputting the wide diameter and narrow diameter data of the stock sleeve and the scion sleeve into a 3D printer; 4) obtaining the grafting sleeve by using a thermoplastic elastomer material as ink material through the 3D printer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of bioinformatics, and in particular to a method for 3D printing grafting auxiliary sleeves and its application. Background Technology

[0002] Grafting is a form of asexual reproduction in plants, where a branch or bud (scion) is attached to the stem or root of another plant (rootstock) to form a complete plant. It is an economical and efficient method widely used in the propagation and production of horticultural crops. Its main purpose is to preserve the superior characteristics of both the scion and rootstock. It is widely applied to common fruits and vegetables such as apples, pears, cherries, walnuts, chestnuts, dates, persimmons, grapes, citrus fruits, lychees, kiwifruit, tomatoes, and eggplants. Currently, the most common grafting method is cleft grafting, while approach grafting and insertion grafting are also widely used. Grafting in crop production is mainly done manually, which is labor-intensive and inefficient. Furthermore, the efficiency and survival rate of grafting are highly dependent on the skill of the grafting technician.

[0003] In the entire manual grafting process, cambium alignment and binding are the most time-consuming and unpredictable steps. Grafting efficiency and success rate heavily depend on the skill level of the technicians. Inexperienced binding can lead to displacement of the scion and rootstock during grafting, resulting in poor cambium adhesion; excessively long operation time leads to repeated grafting, increasing the risk of infection; loose binding can cause displacement of the cambium adhesion during wound healing; and the scion wrapping process is time-consuming, sometimes requiring pre-wrapping before grafting to improve efficiency. During peak grafting seasons in orchards, hiring numerous temporary workers and spending considerable time training them is time-consuming and labor-intensive, yet even this cannot guarantee the final grafting efficiency and survival rate, leading to significant seedling cost losses. Furthermore, using current methods, after the scion and rootstock wounds have healed, a significant amount of labor is needed to remove the sealing tape to avoid hindering the growth of successfully grafted plants, adding further costs. Therefore, there is a need to further develop a simple-to-use grafting device that can guarantee grafting efficiency and survival rate. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to at least solve one of the above-mentioned technical defects, especially the technical defects of high labor consumption, low grafting efficiency, and low survival rate in the prior art.

[0005] This invention provides a method for preparing a grafting sleeve. According to an embodiment of the invention, the method includes the following steps: 1) obtaining rootstock diameter data R1, scion diameter data R2, and scion length L; 2) obtaining the width and narrow diameter data of the grafting sleeve, wherein the grafting sleeve includes a rootstock sleeve and a scion sleeve; 3) inputting the width and narrow diameter data of the rootstock sleeve and scion sleeve into a 3D printer; 4) using a thermoplastic elastic material as ink material, obtaining the grafting sleeve through a 3D printer. According to a specific embodiment of the invention, the width and narrow diameter data of the grafting sleeve are obtained through a certain calculation method using the rootstock diameter data, scion diameter data, and scion length. The width and narrow diameter data of the grafting sleeve are then used in conjunction with a 3D printer to prepare the corresponding rootstock sleeve and scion sleeve. The method for preparing grafting sleeves described in this application can quickly and effectively obtain grafting sleeves suitable for any diameter range, flexibly prepare sleeves of appropriate diameters, and reduce labor and time costs during grafting.

[0006] According to embodiments of the present invention, the method for preparing the grafting sleeve may further include at least one of the following additional technical features: According to an embodiment of the present invention, the rootstock diameter data and the scion diameter data are obtained by scanning the diameters of the rootstock and scion using a scanning device, and the scion length L is obtained by scanning the entire length of the scion using the scanning device. The scanning device is not particularly limited; any device capable of scanning the diameter of the rootstock or scion can be used, such as a laser scanner, radar scanner, or a smartphone with scanning capabilities. The total length of the scion is the longest distance obtained by connecting the two ends of the scion to points.

[0007] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the diameter data of the rootstock is obtained by scanning the diameter of the rootstock within 0-5 cm from the cut cross-section using a scanning device, and the diameter data of the scion is obtained by scanning the diameter of the scion at a distance of 0.1-1.5 cm from the cut cross-section using a scanning device. Those skilled in the art will understand that the cut cross-section of the rootstock refers to the cut cross-section of the rootstock that requires pre-treatment for matching and positioning with the scion, and the cut cross-section of the scion refers to the cut cross-section of the scion that requires pre-treatment for matching and positioning with the rootstock. Depending on the plant diameter range, the length of the scion and rootstock during positioning varies. Therefore, the scanning distance from the cut cross-section can be adjusted when obtaining the rootstock diameter data; similarly, the scanning distance from the cut cross-section can also be adjusted within a suitable range when obtaining the scion diameter data.

[0008] According to embodiments of the present invention, the diameter data of the rootstock is obtained by scanning the diameter of the rootstock within 0-3 cm from the cut cross-section using a scanning device, and the diameter data of the scion is obtained by scanning the diameter of the scion at 0.1-1 cm from the cut cross-section using a scanning device. According to some specific embodiments of the present invention, the inventors perform diameter scanning measurements on the rootstock along its length direction. The scanning measurement range is the rootstock diameter within 0-3 cm of the cut cross-section of the rootstock. For example, the rootstock diameter is scanned at 0.1 cm, 0.5 cm, 0.7 cm, 0.8 cm, 0.9 cm, 1.0 cm, 1.5 cm, 2.0 cm, 2.5 cm, and 3.0 cm from the cut cross-section of the rootstock to obtain multiple diameter data for the rootstock. The inventor performs a diameter scan measurement on the scion along its length. The scanning measurement range is the diameter of the scion at a distance of 0-3 cm from the cross-section of the cut of the rootstock. For example, the diameter of the rootstock is scanned at 0.1 cm, 0.5 cm, 0.7 cm, 0.8 cm, 0.9 cm or 1.0 cm from the cross-section of the scion cut to obtain the diameter data of the scion.

[0009] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the width diameter of the rootstock sleeve is the maximum value of R1 minus 1-3 mm. The inventors have found that when the width diameter of the rootstock sleeve is too large, it is difficult to ensure the sealing performance of the grafting sleeve after fixation. When the width diameter of the rootstock sleeve is too small, it is difficult to install the rootstock with the sleeve during grafting. When the width diameter of the rootstock sleeve is the maximum value of R1 minus 1-3 mm, it can ensure the sealing performance at the rear interface of the sleeve and facilitate the grafting operation.

[0010] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the width diameter data of the rootstock sleeve is the maximum value of R1 minus 1 mm. According to a specific embodiment of the present invention, the inventor performs a diameter scan measurement on the rootstock along its length. The scan measurement range is the rootstock diameter within a length of 0-3 cm from the cross-section of the rootstock cut. For example, the rootstock diameter is scanned at 0.1 cm, 0.5 cm, 0.7 cm, 0.8 cm, 0.9 cm, 1.0 cm, 1.5 cm, 2.0 cm, 2.5 cm, and 3.0 cm from the cross-section of the rootstock cut to obtain multiple rootstock diameter data. The width diameter data of the rootstock sleeve is then the maximum value of the multiple rootstock diameter data obtained at 0.1 cm, 0.5 cm, 0.7 cm, 0.8 cm, 0.9 cm, 1.0 cm, 1.5 cm, 2.0 cm, 2.5 cm, and 3.0 cm from the cross-section of the rootstock cut, minus 1 mm.

[0011] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the narrow diameter of the rootstock sleeve is 100%-130% of the minimum value of R1.

[0012] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the narrow diameter of the rootstock sleeve is smaller than the wide diameter of the rootstock sleeve.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the narrow diameter data of the rootstock sleeve is the minimum value of R1. In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the inventor performs a diameter scan measurement on the rootstock along its length. The scan measurement range is the rootstock diameter within a length of 0-3 cm from the cross-section of the rootstock cut. For example, the rootstock diameter is scanned at distances of 0.1 cm, 0.5 cm, 0.7 cm, 0.8 cm, 0.9 cm, 1.0 cm, 1.5 cm, 2.0 cm, 2.5 cm, and 3.0 cm from the cross-section of the rootstock cut to obtain multiple rootstock diameter data. The narrow diameter data of the rootstock sleeve is then the minimum value among the multiple rootstock diameter data obtained at distances of 0.1 cm, 0.5 cm, 0.7 cm, 0.8 cm, 0.9 cm, 1.0 cm, 1.5 cm, 2.0 cm, 2.5 cm, and 3.0 cm from the cross-section of the rootstock cut. The inventors discovered that when the diameter of the rootstock sleeve is too large, it is difficult to ensure the sealing of the grafting sleeve after it is fixed. When the diameter of the rootstock sleeve is too small, it is difficult to install the rootstock with the sleeve during the grafting operation. Therefore, the grafting sleeve needs to be selected with a suitable diameter to ensure the sealing of the interface after the sleeve and the ease of the grafting operation, and to play a role in moisturizing and preventing infection of the grafting wound.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the width diameter data of the scion sleeve is the diameter value of the scion at a distance of 1-2 cm from its cut cross-section. According to a specific embodiment of the present invention, the inventor performs diameter scanning measurement on the scion along its length direction, scanning and measuring the rootstock diameter at a distance of 1-2 cm from the cut cross-section of the scion. For example, the scion diameter is scanned at distances of 1 mm, 1.5 mm, 2.0 mm, 2.5 mm, 3.0 mm, 5.0 mm, 1.0 cm, 1.5 cm, and 2.0 cm from the cut cross-section of the rootstock to obtain the diameter data of the scion.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the width diameter of the scion sleeve is the diameter value of the scion at a distance of 1-3 mm from its cut cross-section.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the width diameter of the scion sleeve is the diameter value of the scion at a distance of 2 mm from its cut cross-section.

[0017] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the narrow diameter of the scion sleeve is the diameter of the scion at a distance of (0.65-0.75)L from its cut cross-section, preferably at a distance of 0.7L from its cut cross-section. According to some specific embodiments of the present invention, the inventors perform diameter scanning measurements along the length of the scion's cut cross-section. The scanning measurement is performed at a distance of 0.65-0.75 times the total length of the scion from its cut cross-section. For example, when the length L (total length) of the scion is 5cm, the narrow diameter of the scion sleeve is at a distance of (5)L from the cut cross-section of the scion. 0.65)~(5 The diameter of any scion at a length of 0.75 cm. When the narrow diameter of the scion sleeve is the diameter of the scion at a distance of 0.65-0.75 L from its cut cross-section, it can ensure that the grafting sleeve is tightly attached to the scion, has good airtightness, is easy to install and operate, and plays a role in moisturizing and preventing infection of the grafting wound.

[0018] According to embodiments of the present invention, the thermoplastic elastic material includes: styrene block copolymer, thermoplastic polyolefin elastomer, thermoplastic vulcanizate, thermoplastic polyurethane, thermoplastic copolyester, or thermoplastic polyamide.

[0019] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the rootstock sleeve and the scion sleeve are hollow frustum-shaped transparent sleeves.

[0020] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the rootstock sleeve and scion sleeve include a sleeve body, the sleeve body having a pre-opening along its length, and the pre-opening having a transparent covering layer, the covering layer being made of the thermoplastic elastic material. Both the sleeve body and the pre-opening are covered with the covering layer, the covering layer being made of the thermoplastic elastic material. The sleeve body and the pre-opening covering layer can be the same thermoplastic elastic material or different thermoplastic materials.

[0021] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the width of the pre-opening of the rootstock sleeve is 0.5-1.5 mm, and the thickness is 0.1-0.3 mm. The thickness of the pre-opening is less than the thickness of the sleeve body, which facilitates the opening of the pre-opening after the grafted plant has taken, allowing the grafting sleeve to detach.

[0022] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the thickness of the sleeve body is 0.5-1.5 mm.

[0023] According to an embodiment of the present invention, one of the rootstock sleeve and the scion sleeve has a locking portion on its outer circumference at the wide diameter, and the other has a fastening portion on its outer circumference, wherein the locking portion and the fastening portion can be fitted together.

[0024] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a grafting sleeve. According to an embodiment of the invention, the grafting sleeve is prepared using the method described in the first aspect. The grafting sleeve according to an embodiment of the invention can be effectively used for plant grafting, reducing grafting time and labor costs, and significantly improving grafting efficiency and the survival rate of grafted plants.

[0025] In a third aspect, the present invention provides a grafting method. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the method includes the following steps: The grafting sleeve described in the second aspect is installed on the rootstock and scion respectively; the lower end of the scion is embedded into the upper end of the rootstock, wherein the rootstock and scion have been pre-treated and fitted with the grafting sleeve; the grafting sleeve is fixed by the locking and fastening parts of the grafting sleeve. Those skilled in the art will understand that when using this method for grafting, the rootstock and scion can be installed with the grafting sleeve first and then pre-treated, or pre-treated first, and then installed with the grafting sleeve after pre-treatment. The method according to the embodiments of the present invention can effectively reduce the labor and time costs during grafting, improve grafting efficiency, and increase the survival rate of grafted plants.

[0026] According to embodiments of the present invention, the grafting method described above may further include at least one of the following additional technical features: According to an embodiment of the present invention, the length of the rootstock and scion is 4-7 cm.

[0027] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the diameter of the scion is 1-2 cm.

[0028] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the diameter of the rootstock is greater than or equal to the diameter of the scion.

[0029] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the pretreatment includes: exposing the cambium layer of the scion, wherein the exposure location is 2-4 cm from the point of maximum diameter of the scion to the bottom of the scion, and there is one or more exposed surfaces.

[0030] According to an embodiment of the present invention, after the pretreatment, the lower end of the scion forms a wedge-shaped structure. The lower end of the scion is the part where the scion and the rootstock are positioned. Those skilled in the art will understand that the shape of the lower end of the scion can be adjusted as needed, as long as it is a shape that facilitates the survival of the grafted plant.

[0031] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the pretreatment further includes: making a downward cut perpendicular to the cross-section of the rootstock, the depth of the cut being longer than the length of the exposed surface of the scion. Attached Figure Description

[0032] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0033] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of a conventional grafting method provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This invention provides a schematic diagram of the process of printing a grafting auxiliary sleeve using a 3D printer and a structural diagram of the grafting auxiliary sleeve for embodiments of the invention. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0035] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0036] To facilitate understanding of this invention, a brief introduction is provided here: This invention designs a 3D-printed rapid grafting auxiliary sleeve that can replace the tape binding operation in the grafting process. It effectively moisturizes the grafting wound and prevents infection, while simultaneously ensuring automatic alignment and tight adhesion between the scion and rootstock cambium layers (without loosening during wound healing). This significantly improves grafting efficiency, reduces personnel training difficulty, and decreases the number of technicians required. Traditional methods also use sleeves to improve efficiency, but this requires that the diameters of the scion and rootstock be approximately the same and that the sleeve diameter be compatible; therefore, its applicability is limited.

[0037] This invention first uses lidar scanning to determine the basic shape and size of the rootstock and scion. This is then converted into corresponding grafting sleeve dimensions using a self-designed calculation method. Two sleeves, suitable for both the scion and rootstock, are then 3D printed for rapid grafting. These sleeves are compatible with both manual grafting and fully automated grafting machines. Regarding the selection of 3D printing materials for the two sleeves, the rootstock sleeve, which needs to serve both moisture retention and binding functions, requires a printing material with both thermoplastic and elastic properties. Currently, thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) are preferred, including styrene block copolymers (TPS), thermoplastic polyolefin elastomers (TPO), thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPV), thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU), thermoplastic copolyesters (TPC), and thermoplastic polyamides (TPA). The scion sleeve, whose main function is moisture retention, has lower elasticity requirements, allowing for a wider range of material choices. However, considering ease of operation, the scion sleeve should ideally be made of the same material as the rootstock sleeve. The rootstock sleeve is a transparent round tube with an inner diameter matching the rootstock diameter, a pre-installed interlocking structure at the upper end (for the scion segment), and a pre-opened side (not completely severed). The scion sleeve is a frustum-shaped transparent round tube, wider at the lower end (for the rootstock segment), narrower at the upper end (in the direction of plant growth), with a pre-installed interlocking structure at the lower end and a pre-opened side. During grafting, the rootstock sleeve is first placed on the rootstock, then the rootstock is treated by cutting it in half. The scion is placed in the scion sleeve, with the bottom exposed for cutting (using a blade to cut a wedge-shaped structure). Finally, the wedge-shaped structure of the scion is inserted into the rootstock incision, and the two vascular bundles are interlocked. After grafting, the wound of the plant gradually heals and continues to grow. As the plant grows, it breaks through the sleeve, causing it to fall off naturally. The material can be 100% recycled and reused.

[0038] When handling small-scale grafting tasks, a solution of smartphone (or other portable scanner) LiDAR + miniaturized 3D printer can be used. This solution is portable and mobile. The scion and rootstock are manually scanned in batches and then the sleeves are printed in batches. After printing is completed, the sleeves are installed in an orderly manner.

[0039] When handling large-scale grafting tasks, the production process can be modularized and integrated with automated rootstock processing and automated joining operations to form a fully automated solution. After the rootstock and scion are scanned by the LiDAR module, the information is transmitted to the sleeve 3D printing module to produce the sleeve. At the same time, the rootstock is sent to the incision module for disinfection and incision treatment. Then, the scion, rootstock, and sleeve are sent to the joining module to achieve mass production of grafted plants.

[0040] like Figure 2As shown, the grafting sleeve (rootstock sleeve and scion sleeve) obtained by the method described in this application includes a sleeve body, and one or more pre-openings are provided on the sleeve body along its length direction. A covering layer is provided on the pre-opening, and the material of the covering layer is the same as that of the sleeve body, but the thickness of the pre-opening covering layer is less than that of the sleeve body, so as to allow the grafting sleeve to open after the plant grows. The rootstock sleeve and scion sleeve are frustum-shaped. The rootstock sleeve has a narrow diameter end (narrow end) that covers the cut end (upper end) of the rootstock, and a wide diameter end (wide end) that includes the lower end of the rootstock. The narrow diameter end of the rootstock sleeve has a fastening part. In some cases, the upper and lower diameters of the rootstock are essentially the same. The scion sleeve has a wide diameter end (wide end) that covers the cut end (lower end) of the scion, and a narrow diameter end (narrow end) that includes the upper end of the scion. The wide diameter end of the scion sleeve has a locking part. The fastening part and locking part can be interlocked, allowing the rootstock sleeve and scion sleeve to be fixed during grafting, ensuring good sealing of the grafting sleeve.

[0041] In this invention, the "cambium" refers to a meristematic tissue located between the xylem and phloem in the roots and stems of gymnosperms and dicotyledons.

[0042] Example 1 In this embodiment, a grafting auxiliary sleeve was obtained by 3D printing. Experiments were conducted at the experimental base of the State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Genomics, Shenzhen BGI Life Science Research Institute, Longgang District, Shenzhen. The grafting efficiency and survival rate of the traditional grafting method and the grafting method using the 3D grafting auxiliary sleeve were compared. The specific experimental procedures are as follows: 1.1 Preparation of Long Purple Eggplant Scions Before sowing eggplant seeds, soak them in warm water (around 50 degrees Celsius) for about 2 hours, then soak them in gibberellin solution for 22 hours to promote germination. Once the eggplant seeds sprout, sow them in loose, well-drained potting soil. After the seedlings have stabilized, transplant them into deep, loose, well-drained soil. They will grow into graftable plants in about 60 days. Scions are taken from the lateral branches of the plant. Cut the lateral branch at the point where it connects to the stem using grafting shears. Select lateral branches approximately 20cm long and 1.2cm in diameter. After selecting suitable scions, pre-treatment is required: remove all leaves from the scion, retaining one terminal bud and several axillary buds.

[0043] 1.2 Preparation of Eggplant Rootstock Interspecific hybridization was conducted using wild Solanum wrightii as the female parent and wild Solanum torvum as the male parent. Twenty-two days after hybridization and pollination, immature hybrid fruits were harvested, surface-sterilized with NaClO, and the embryos were cut and separated using a sterile blade. These embryos were then transferred to an induction proliferation medium (MS + 2 mg / L ZR) and cultured at 25 ± 1°C. The induced embryoids were then transferred to a regeneration medium (MS + 2 mg / L 6-BA + 0.5 mg / L IAA) to obtain regenerated shoots, which were then transferred to a rooting medium (MS + 0.4 mg / L ZR). After 10 days, the in vitro cultured plantlets were removed and the adhering culture medium was gently removed with distilled water. They were then transplanted into a hardening substrate composed of coconut coir, vermiculite, and perlite in a volume ratio of 1:1:1. The plantlets were watered with 1 / 2 MS nutrient solution every 2 weeks. The plantlets were covered with plastic wrap to keep them moist and to maintain strong light. After 6 days, the plastic wrap was gradually removed. The hardened plantlets grew rapidly into large seedlings in the substrate and were then transplanted into soil or large seedling bags. After about four months, they grew into plants that could be used for grafting.

[0044] 1.3 Traditional grafting methods Fifty scions and fifty rootstocks from sections 1.1 and 1.2 were grafted using traditional grafting methods. The traditional methods were performed by technicians with many years of grafting experience, and the specific procedures are as follows: 1) Pre-treatment of scions: Use plastic wrap to tie the scions clockwise or counterclockwise upwards, tying them to the terminal bud, leaving the terminal bud exposed to the air, and leaving 5cm of bare branch at the bottom. 2) Select suitable rootstock lateral branches or main stems: The cross-sectional diameter of the selected lateral branches should be larger than the cross-sectional diameter of the scion (stem thickness). Use grafting shears with the blade perpendicular to the bark of the lateral branch. Generally, the cut surface of the lateral branch should be perpendicular to the branch. Keep the cut smooth and neat. In this experiment, the rootstock is treated by cleft grafting. The blade of the grafting tool is perpendicular to the widest side of the cut cross-section. Cut vertically downwards, and the depth should be greater than the length of the cut surface of the scion, generally 5cm is appropriate. 3) During grafting, first leave 5cm of the rootstock of the pre-treated scion. Using a utility knife, with the blade facing the widest cross-section of the branch, make a cut at a certain angle to expose the cambium layer of the scion. Repeat the same operation on the opposite side of the cut, keeping the two cut surfaces parallel and maintaining a length of about 3cm. Finally, a wedge-shaped structure is formed at the bottom of the scion. Then, the scion can be inserted into the pre-treated rootstock branch incision, ensuring that the cambium side of the scion is firmly attached to the rootstock. Align the cambium layers on the same side of the incision, leaving a portion of the scion's cut surface above the incision. After aligning the cambium layers of the scion and rootstock, ensure they are tightly joined. Then, seal and bind the grafting wound with professional self-adhesive grafting film. After binding, write the grafting date and scion variety on a label and mark it on the rootstock. Determine if the plant has survived after about 14 days. Once the terminal bud of the scion has unfolded, it can be determined that the grafted scion has survived. After survival, the plastic wrap can be removed from the scion as needed.

[0045] 1.4 3D Printing Grafting Auxiliary Sleeve Method Using a 3D printing device, 3D grafting auxiliary sleeves were quickly printed for grafting onto 50 scions and 50 rootstocks prepared in sections 1.1 and 1.2. The specific operation is as follows: 1) First, use an iReal 2E handheld scanner to scan 50 prepared scions and rootstocks to obtain the diameters of the scions and rootstocks approximately 5 cm from their respective cut cross-sections. Then, automatically input the data into the Prusa Slicer software to adjust the preset rootstock and scion sleeve combination model. The basic logic for converting the scion and rootstock dimensions from the LiDAR scan to the 3D printed sleeve dimensions is as follows: both the rootstock and scion sleeves are hollow frustum sleeves. Measure the diameter of the rootstock within 3 cm of the cut cross-section. Take the diameter at the narrowest point of the rootstock within 3 cm of the cut cross-section as the narrow end inner diameter r'2 of the rootstock sleeve. Subtract 1 mm from the widest point of the rootstock within 3 cm of the cut cross-section as the wide end inner diameter r'1 of the rootstock sleeve. The diameter of the scion 2 mm from its cut cross-section is taken as the inner diameter r1 of the wide end of the scion sleeve; the length of the scion is measured as L, and 0.7 times the value of L is calculated, with the diameter at 0.7 L from the cut cross-section taken as the inner diameter r2 of the narrow end of the scion sleeve. Using a Prusa i3 MK3S+ preloaded with PolyFlex TPU95 filament, 50 scion and rootstock sleeves are printed simultaneously. The process of printing the scion or rootstock sleeves is as follows: Figure 2 As shown, the obtained rootstock sleeve is a frustum-shaped transparent round tube with an inner diameter adapted to the rootstock diameter, a pre-reserved fitting structure at the upper end (for the scion section), and a pre-reserved thin transparent material (not completely disconnected) on the side. Figure 2(As shown); the scion sleeve is a frustum-shaped transparent tube that is wide at the bottom (to the rootstock end), narrow at the top (in the direction of plant growth), with a pre-reserved interlocking structure at the bottom and a pre-reserved thin transparent material on the side (as shown). Figure 2 (As shown).

[0046] 2) Performed simultaneously with step 1), select suitable lateral branches or main stems of the rootstock. In this experiment, the cross-sectional diameter of the selected lateral branch rootstock should be larger than the diameter of the scion stem. First, place the 3D-printed rootstock sleeve onto the rootstock, and then process and utilize the rootstock. The cutting edge of the grafting scissors should be perpendicular to the bark of the lateral branch. Generally, the cut surface of the lateral branch should be perpendicular to the branch, and the cut should be kept smooth and neat. The rootstock is processed using the cleft grafting method. The blade of the grafting tool should be perpendicular to the widest side of the cross-section of the cut, and cut vertically downwards to a depth greater than the length of the cut surface of the scion, generally 5cm. It is advisable to first leave 5cm of the scion root, place the scion in the 3D printed scion sleeve and expose the bottom for cutting, use a utility knife with the blade facing the widest cross section of the branch, cut at a certain angle to cut out the cambium part of the scion. Repeat the same operation on the opposite side of the cut surface, cut at a certain angle, keeping the two cut surfaces parallel, and keeping the length of the cut surface 3cm. Finally, a wedge-shaped structure is formed at the bottom of the scion. Finally, insert the wedge-shaped structure of the scion into the rootstock incision and fit the two vascular bundle interfaces together.

[0047] 3) After connecting the printed sleeve to the cut scion and rootstock using the above steps, write the grafting date and scion variety on a label and mark it on the grafting rootstock. After about 14 days, determine whether the plant has survived. Once the terminal bud of the scion has unfolded, it can be determined that the grafted scion has survived. As the surviving plant gradually grows, the sleeve will automatically crack and fall off.

[0048] 1.5 Analysis of Experimental Results Experimental results showed that using traditional grafting methods, each grafting process, from pre-wrapping the scion with plastic wrap to final binding with self-adhesive grafting film, took approximately 8 minutes, requiring a total of 400 minutes to complete 50 grafts. However, using the 3D-printed rapid grafting auxiliary sleeve method, the preparation of the scion and rootstock incisions took approximately 2 minutes, totaling 100 minutes. During this time, the printing of the scion and rootstock sleeves could be carried out simultaneously, thus reducing the entire process to only 100 minutes, only one-quarter the time of traditional grafting methods. With traditional grafting methods, 47 plants survived, achieving a survival rate of 94%. With the 3D-printed sleeve-assisted grafting method, 49 plants survived, achieving a survival rate of 98%, which is higher than the traditional grafting method performed by experienced grafting technicians.

[0049] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0050] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for preparing a grafting sleeve, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: 1) Obtain the rootstock diameter data R1, the scion diameter data R2, and the length L of the scion; 2) Obtain the wide diameter and narrow diameter data of the grafting sleeve, wherein the grafting sleeve includes the rootstock sleeve and the scion sleeve; 3) Input the width and narrow diameter data of the rootstock sleeve and scion sleeve into the 3D printer; 4) The grafting sleeve is obtained by using a thermoplastic elastic material as ink material and a 3D printer; The diameter data of the rootstock is obtained by scanning the diameter of the rootstock at a distance of 0-5cm from its cut cross-section using a scanning device, and the diameter data of the scion is obtained by scanning the diameter of the scion at a distance of 0.1-1.5cm from its cut cross-section using a scanning device. The width diameter of the rootstock sleeve is the maximum value of R1 minus 1-3 mm, the narrow diameter of the rootstock sleeve is 100%-130% of the minimum value of R1, and the narrow diameter of the rootstock sleeve is smaller than the width diameter of the rootstock sleeve. The wide diameter of the scion sleeve is the diameter of the scion at a distance of 1-2 cm from its cut cross-section, and the narrow diameter of the scion sleeve is the diameter of the scion at a distance of 0.65-0.75 times the length of L from its cut cross-section. The rootstock sleeve and scion sleeve are hollow, frustum-shaped, transparent sleeves. The rootstock sleeve and scion sleeve include a sleeve body, the sleeve body having one or more pre-openings along its length, the pre-openings having a transparent covering layer, the covering layer being made of the thermoplastic elastic material. The pre-opening width of the rootstock sleeve is 0.5-1.5 mm, and the thickness is 0.1-0.3 mm; the thickness of the sleeve body is 0.5-1.5 mm. The outer circumference of one of the rootstock sleeve and scion sleeve at the wide diameter is provided with a locking part, and the outer circumference of the other is provided with a fastening part, and the locking part and the fastening part can be fitted together.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The diameter data of the rootstock is obtained by scanning the diameter of the rootstock at a distance of 0-3 cm from its cut cross-section using a scanning device, and the diameter data of the scion is obtained by scanning the diameter of the scion at a distance of 0.1-1 cm from its cut cross-section using a scanning device.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The width diameter of the rootstock sleeve is the maximum value of R1 minus 1 mm.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The narrow diameter of the rootstock sleeve is the minimum value of R1.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The width diameter of the scion sleeve is the diameter value of the scion at a distance of 1-3 mm from its cut cross-section.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The width diameter of the scion sleeve is the diameter value at a distance of 2mm from the cross-section of the scion's cut.

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The narrow diameter of the scion sleeve is the diameter value at a distance of 0.7 times the L from the cross-section of the scion's cut.

8. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The thermoplastic elastic material includes: styrene block copolymers, thermoplastic polyolefin elastomers, thermoplastic vulcanizates, thermoplastic polyurethanes, thermoplastic copolyesters, or thermoplastic polyamides.

9. A grafting sleeve, characterized in that, The grafting sleeve is prepared using the method described in any one of claims 1-8.

10. A grafting method, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: The grafting sleeve described in claim 9 is respectively installed on the rootstock and the scion; The lower end of the scion is embedded into the upper end of the rootstock, wherein the rootstock and scion are pretreated and fitted with the grafting sleeve; The grafting sleeve is fixed by the locking and fastening parts.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The rootstock and scion are 4-7 cm in length.

12. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The diameter of the scion is 1-2 cm.

13. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The diameter of the rootstock is 1-6 cm, and the diameter of the rootstock is greater than or equal to the diameter of the scion into which it is inserted.

14. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The pretreatment includes: exposing the cambium layer of the scion, with the exposure location extending 2-4 cm from the scion's largest diameter towards its bottom, and the scion having more than one exposed surface.

15. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, After the pretreatment, the lower end of the scion forms a wedge-shaped structure.

16. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The pretreatment further includes cutting downwards perpendicular to the cross-section of the rootstock.

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