A method for configuring a pollination tree for a hickory plantation

Abstract

The application discloses a configuration method for pollination trees in Gleditsia sinensis plantations and belongs to the technical field of Gleditsia sinensis planting. In the configuration method, the planting quantity ratio of Gleditsia sinensis female plants, Gleditsia sinensis var. cathayensis male plants and Gleditsia delavayi male plants is set to 26-30:1-3:1-2, and the planting quantity of the Gleditsia sinensis var. cathayensis male plants is greater than that of the Gleditsia delavayi male plants. By introducing the Gleditsia sinensis var. cathayensis with early flowering period and the Gleditsia delavayi with late flowering period to perform interspecific cross-pollination, the application realizes the continuation and coverage of the flowering period, guarantees the continuous supply of male pollen in the whole female flower opening period, greatly improves the fruit setting rate and yield of the Gleditsia sinensis, and significantly improves the pod and seed quality of the Gleditsia sinensis var. cathayensis and the Gleditsia delavayi, including the significant improvement of saponins, amino acids, pectin and total sugar components. It can be seen that the application significantly improves the production efficiency of the Gleditsia sinensis plantations.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of soapberry planting technology, and particularly relates to a method for configuring pollinator trees in a soapberry plantation. Background Technology

[0002] The soapberry (Gleditsia sinensis) is a deciduous tree belonging to the genus Gleditsia in the legume family. It is a multi-purpose tree species with high economic value, encompassing edible, medicinal, chemical, and afforestation uses. The fruit of the soapberry is a pod, and its seeds can be processed into soapberry rice (endosperm), also known as snow lotus seeds, a healthy food found in hotels and restaurants, and a major production target for large-scale cultivation nationwide in recent years. The pods (skin) contain abundant saponins, an important raw material for the production of detergents. Currently, it is widely cultivated in Guizhou, Henan, Shandong, Shanxi, Liaoning, Yunnan, and other provinces, primarily for the production of soapberry fruit (seeds). The soapberry is nearly dioecious, with low self-compatibility; pollination status affects the yield and quality of the pods (seeds). Research has revealed significant variations in the flowering periods of male and female soapberry plants in many plantations. Female flowers have a longer opening period, while male flowers have a shorter pollen shedding period. The overlap between male and female flowering periods is also short, resulting in poor pollination, low fruit set, and a high rate of empty pods, sometimes even producing seedless soapberries. This significantly reduces the economic benefits of the plantations. In most soapberry plantations, the fruit set rate is only 5.53% ± 0.64%, with a high rate of empty seeds (11-13%) and a seed yield value of only 0.272, making it difficult to achieve the requirements for high and stable yields. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This invention provides a method for configuring pollinator trees in a soapberry plantation. The planting ratio of female soapberry trees, male soapberry trees from South China, and male soapberry trees from Yunnan is 26-30:1-3:1-2, with the number of male soapberry trees from South China being greater than that from Yunnan. The female soapberry trees can be "Guizao" from Guizhou (such as Guizao No. 1 and Guizao No. 2) or the Shuaijia series varieties and improved varieties from Shanxi (such as Shuaijia No. 1 and No. 2).

[0004] Preferably, the male plants of *Gleditsia sinensis* from South China and Yunnan are planted separately among the female plants.

[0005] More preferably, the planting spacing between the female Gleditsia sinensis plants, the male Gleditsia sinensis plants from South China, and the male Gleditsia sinensis plants from Yunnan is 4-6 meters by 4-6 meters.

[0006] More preferably, the planting ratio of female Gleditsia sinensis plants, male Gleditsia sinensis plants from South China, and male Gleditsia sinensis plants from Yunnan is 26:2:1.

[0007] More preferably, the planting ratio of female Gleditsia sinensis plants, male Gleditsia sinensis plants from South China, and male Gleditsia sinensis plants from Yunnan is 27:2:1.

[0008] More preferably, the planting ratio of female Gleditsia sinensis plants, male Gleditsia sinensis plants from South China, and male Gleditsia sinensis plants from Yunnan is 28:2:1.

[0009] More preferably, the planting ratio of female Gleditsia sinensis plants, male Gleditsia sinensis plants from South China, and male Gleditsia sinensis plants from Yunnan is 29:3:1.

[0010] More preferably, the planting ratio of female Gleditsia sinensis plants, male Gleditsia sinensis plants from South China, and male Gleditsia sinensis plants from Yunnan is 29:3:2.

[0011] More preferably, the planting ratio of female Gleditsia sinensis plants, male Gleditsia sinensis plants from South China, and male Gleditsia sinensis plants from Yunnan is 30:3:2.

[0012] Preferably, natural pollination is used.

[0013] After pollination, pollen genotypes directly influence the development of seeds and fruits, causing differences in their phenotypic characteristics. This is a common pollen intuition effect in plants. In cultivation, this effect can be utilized to improve crop yield and quality, control and improve the nutritional composition and appearance of fruit seeds or fruits, and increase yield. The formation of pollen intuition is an extremely complex process, with hormones, polyamines, RNA, and unknown pollen tube releases all playing a combined regulatory role. This invention utilizes the intuition advantage of distantly related pollen species. Through detailed preliminary experimental research, two highly efficient pollen donor varieties, *Gleditsia sinensis* and *Gleditsia yunnanensis*, were screened, both possessing high pollen yields and effectively improving pod quality. By carefully configuring *Gleditsia sinensis* and *Gleditsia yunnanensis*, *Gleditsia sinensis* provides a large amount of pollen in the early and mid-stages of the plantation, ensuring sufficient pollination during this period. When the pollen supply of *Gleditsia sinensis* begins to decrease, *Gleditsia yunnanensis* begins to bloom profusely, continuously providing pollen and guaranteeing pollination needs in later stages. This configuration strategy not only increases the pollination success rate, but also directly affects the genetic expression of fruits and seeds after fertilization through the direct effect of interspecific pollen. By actively utilizing genetic variation, the overall size of the soapberry fruit, the fullness of the seeds, and the content of biochemical components such as saponins and amino acids are significantly increased, thus achieving a comprehensive improvement in the quality of soapberry fruit.

[0014] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0015] The pollinator tree configuration method proposed in this invention significantly improves the production efficiency of Gleditsia sinensis plantations by introducing Gleditsia sinensis from South China and Gleditsia sinensis from Yunnan for interspecific cross-pollination. Specifically, this is reflected in the following aspects:

[0016] (1) By implementing the configuration method proposed in this invention, early-flowering Gleditsia sinensis from South China and late-flowering Gleditsia yunnanensis from Yunnan are introduced into the same plantation, achieving the continuity and coverage of the flowering period. This effective connection of flowering periods ensures a continuous supply of male pollen throughout the entire female flower opening period, significantly improving the fruit setting rate and yield of Gleditsia sinensis.

[0017] (2) Under the pollination configuration of the present invention, due to the direct pollen effect of interspecific hybridization of Gleditsia sinensis, the quality of pods and seeds of Gleditsia sinensis in South China and male Gleditsia sinensis in Yunnan is significantly improved, including a significant increase in saponins, amino acids, pectin and total sugar content.

[0018] (3) The pollinator tree configuration method of the present invention not only solves the problems of low fruit setting rate and poor seed quality in traditional soapberry planting, but also ensures the quality of pods and soapberry rice while achieving high yield, thus significantly improving the overall economic benefits and increasing the output value per unit area. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a comparison table of the flowering periods of the main Gleditsia sinensis variety and its pollinator tree in Example 1.

[0020] Figure 2 This is a pollen intuition dominance diagram for the quality of interspecific hybrid pods in Example 1.

[0021] Figure 3 This is a specific planting diagram of the soapberry tree in Example 1.

[0022] Figure 4 This is a specific planting diagram of the soapberry tree in Example 2.

[0023] Figure 5 This is a specific planting diagram of the soapberry tree in Example 3.

[0024] Figure 6 This is a specific planting diagram of the soapberry tree in Example 4. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The female soapberry plant used in the following examples is Noble Soap No. 1.

[0026] Example 1

[0027] (1) Selection of pollinator tree varieties

[0028] Female *Gleditsia sinensis* plants, male *Gleditsia sinensis* plants from South China, and male *Gleditsia sinensis* plants from Yunnan were selected as interspecific combinations. Among them, female *Gleditsia sinensis* plants were selected as the main productive *Gleditsia sinensis* varieties for orchard establishment, based on the biological characteristics of male plants and the intuition of interspecific hybridization (…). Figure 2 Male *Gleditsia sinensis* plants from South China were selected as early- to mid-stage pollen providers, while male *Gleditsia sinensis* plants from Yunnan were used for late-stage pollination to supplement pollen supply.

[0029] Table 1. Inflorescence characteristics of pollinator trees of various varieties

[0030] Pollinator varieties Number of flowers in the inflorescence (number of flowers) Pollen count per agaric herb (grains) Pollen count (grains) in inflorescence Yunnan soapberry 235.94±35.20b 6,433.33±208.17bc 1.21E+07±1.81E+06b South China soapberry 429.72±63.45a 7,443.13±665.83ab 3.19E+07±4.72E+06a soapberry 116.18±24.78c 7,602.78±305.51a 7.07E+06±1.53E+06c

[0031] Depend on Figure 1As shown in Table 1, the flowering period of Gleditsia sinensis var. yunnanensis and Gleditsia sinensis var. spp. can completely cover the entire flowering period of female Gleditsia sinensis plants. At the same time, the number of flowers and pollen in the inflorescences of male Gleditsia sinensis var. yunnanensis and Gleditsia sinensis var. spp. are significantly higher than those of male Gleditsia sinensis plants, which can provide a large amount of pollen and ensure a continuous supply throughout the entire female flower opening period.

[0032] Depend on Figure 2 It can be seen that when *Gleditsia sinensis* 'Yunnan' and *Gleditsia sinensis* 'South China' are used as pollinating tree varieties, they show a significant interspecific hybrid intuition advantage in improving the quality of pods and seeds compared to *Gleditsia sinensis* 'Yunnan'.

[0033] (2) Pollinator tree configuration scheme

[0034] The experimental site was located in the Gleditsia sinensis experimental garden 1 in Maocheng Town, Zhijin County, Guizhou Province. Common female Gleditsia sinensis plants were selected as the main variety in the plantation. Male Gleditsia sinensis plants from South China, which flower slightly earlier than the main variety, were used as primary pollinators, and Gleditsia sinensis plants from Yunnan, which flower later, were used as secondary pollinators. The number of plants planted for the main variety, primary pollinator, and secondary pollinator were 27, 2, and 1 respectively. Figure 3 The cultivation method shown has a plant spacing of 5 meters by 5 meters, covering an area of ​​approximately 1 acre.

[0035] (3) Management of main varieties and pollinator trees

[0036] Regularly prune the branches and leaves of the main cultivated varieties to maintain a neat tree shape, and thin out flowers in a timely manner to promote healthy inflorescence growth. Apply organic fertilizer in spring and nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium compound fertilizer during the growing season to ensure sufficient nutrient supply for the main cultivated varieties. Before flowering, apply appropriate amounts of phosphorus and potassium fertilizer to promote flower bud differentiation and fruit set. Apply organic fertilizer to pollinator trees as well to ensure their healthy growth and sufficient pollen production. Before and after the pollination period, apply small amounts of nitrogen and potassium fertilizer, avoiding excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides to ensure the quality and quantity of pollen. Monitor and promptly address pest and disease problems, using biological and physical methods for control.

[0037] (4) Harvesting and analysis of pods

[0038] Harvesting should be carried out promptly when the fruits reach maturity in November. The harvested pods should be dried to reduce moisture content and prevent mold and rot. Phenotypic traits such as pod and seed weight, length, width, and thickness should be measured to assess pod and seed yield. Chemical analysis should be performed to determine the total sugar, pectin, amino acid, and saponin content of the fruits to understand their nutritional and commercial value. The statistical results are shown in Tables 2 and 3.

[0039] Example 2

[0040] (1) Selection of pollinator tree varieties

[0041] Female *Gleditsia sinensis* plants and male *Gleditsia sinensis* plants from South China were selected as interspecific combinations. The female *Gleditsia sinensis* plants were used as the main productive *Gleditsia sinensis* varieties for orchard establishment, while the male *Gleditsia sinensis* plants from South China were used as pollinating trees to provide pollen.

[0042] (2) Pollinator tree configuration scheme

[0043] The experimental site was located in the Gleditsia sinensis experimental garden 2 in Maocheng Town, Zhijin County, Guizhou Province. Common Gleditsia sinensis female plants were selected as the main cultivated variety in the plantation, while only South China Gleditsia sinensis male plants were selected as high-efficiency pollinators. There were 27 common female plants and 3 South China male plants. Figure 4 The method shown in the diagram involves planting plants at a spacing of 5 meters, covering an area of ​​approximately 1 acre.

[0044] (3) Management of main varieties and pollinator trees

[0045] Same as Example 1.

[0046] (4) Harvesting and analysis of pods

[0047] Same as Example 1.

[0048] Example 3

[0049] (1) Selection of pollinator tree varieties

[0050] Only female soapberry plants are selected as the main productive soapberry varieties for planting, and no pollinating trees are planted. Pollination in the plantation relies solely on natural pollination, and is configured as a natural pollination combination.

[0051] (2) Pollinator tree configuration scheme

[0052] The experimental site was located in the Gleditsia sinensis experimental garden No. 3 in Maocheng Town, Zhijin County, Guizhou Province. Thirty common female Gleditsia sinensis plants were selected as the main cultivated variety in the plantation. Figure 5 The method shown in the diagram involves planting plants at a spacing of 5 meters, covering an area of ​​approximately 1 acre.

[0053] (3) Management of main varieties and pollinator trees

[0054] Same as Example 1.

[0055] (4) Harvesting and analysis of pods

[0056] Same as Example 1.

[0057] Example 4

[0058] (1) Selection of pollinator tree varieties

[0059] Female and male *Gleditsia sinensis* plants were selected as intraspecific combinations, with female plants serving as the main productive *Gleditsia sinensis* varieties for orchard establishment, and male plants of the same variety serving as pollinating trees to provide pollen.

[0060] (2) Pollinator tree configuration scheme

[0061] The experimental site was located in the Gleditsia sinensis experimental garden No. 4 in Maocheng Town, Zhijin County, Guizhou Province. Common female Gleditsia sinensis plants were selected as the main cultivated variety in the garden, and male plants of the same variety were selected as pollinators for intraspecific hybridization. There were 27 common female Gleditsia sinensis plants and 3 common male Gleditsia sinensis plants. Figure 6 The method shown in the diagram involves planting plants at a spacing of 5 meters, covering an area of ​​approximately 1 acre.

[0062] (3) Management of main varieties and pollinator trees

[0063] Same as Example 1.

[0064] (4) Harvesting and analysis of pods

[0065] Table 2 Comparison of fruit set rate and yield under different pollinator tree configurations

[0066] Fruit set rate (%) Average mass per pod (g) Pod yield per plant (kg) Yield per mu (kg) 1000-grain weight (g) Example 1 23.30％ 22.66±4.73a 38-51kg 1269kg 529.83±18.4a Example 2 19.35％ 20.83±5.53b 34-48kg 1074kg 511.68±20.23ab Example 3 7.04％ 17.27±5.15c 17-33kg 893kg 471.3±37.3c Example 4 21.27％ 20.59±3.76b 29-40kg 1038kg 500.7±24.9b

[0067] Table 3. Improvement of pod and soapberry quality by different pollinator tree configurations.

[0068]

[0069] The embodiments described above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Various modifications and improvements made by those skilled in the art to the technical solutions of the present invention without departing from the spirit of the present invention should fall within the protection scope defined by the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for configuring pollinator trees in a soapberry plantation, characterized in that, The planting ratio of female Gleditsia sinensis plants, male Gleditsia sinensis plants from South China, and male Gleditsia sinensis plants from Yunnan is 26-30:1-3:1-2, with the planting number of male Gleditsia sinensis plants from South China being greater than that of male Gleditsia sinensis plants from Yunnan; the female Gleditsia sinensis plants are Guizao No. 1, Guizao No. 2, Shuaijia No. 1, and / or Shuaijia No.

2.

2. The method of configuring a hickory orchard pollination tree of claim 1, wherein, The male plants of Gleditsia sinensis from South China and Yunnan were planted separately among the female plants.

3. The method of configuring a hickory orchard pollination tree of claim 2, wherein, The planting row spacing of the female Gleditsia japonica, the male Gleditsia japonica in South China and the male Gleditsia delavayi is 4-6 meters 4-6 meters.

4. The method of configuring a hopyard pollination tree of any of claims 1-3, wherein, The planting ratio of female Gleditsia sinensis plants, male Gleditsia sinensis plants from South China, and male Gleditsia sinensis plants from Yunnan is 26:2:

1.

5. The method of configuring a hopyard pollination tree of any of claims 1-3, wherein, The planting ratio of female Gleditsia sinensis plants, male Gleditsia sinensis plants from South China, and male Gleditsia sinensis plants from Yunnan is 27:2:

1.

6. The method of configuring a hopyard pollination tree of any of claims 1-3, wherein, The planting ratio of female Gleditsia sinensis plants, male Gleditsia sinensis plants from South China, and male Gleditsia sinensis plants from Yunnan is 28:2:

1.

7. The method for configuring pollinator trees in a soapberry plantation according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The planting ratio of female Gleditsia sinensis plants, male Gleditsia sinensis plants from South China, and male Gleditsia sinensis plants from Yunnan is 29:3:

1.

8. The method of configuring a hopyard pollination tree of any of claims 1-3, wherein, The planting ratio of female Gleditsia sinensis plants, male Gleditsia sinensis plants from South China, and male Gleditsia sinensis plants from Yunnan is 29:3:

2.

9. The method of configuring a hopyard pollination tree of any of claims 1-3, wherein, The planting ratio of female Gleditsia sinensis plants, male Gleditsia sinensis plants from South China, and male Gleditsia sinensis plants from Yunnan is 30:3:

2.

10. The method of configuring a hickory orchard pollination tree of claim 1, wherein, The pollination method is natural pollination.

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