A method for the propagation of hop plants by rockwool plug cuttings

Abstract

This invention belongs to the field of hop propagation technology, specifically relating to a method for propagating hops by rock wool cuttings in plug trays. The method for propagating hops by rock wool cuttings in plug trays includes the following steps: (1) Preparing cuttings: Selecting hop mother plants and cutting semi-lignified branches as cuttings; (2) Treating cuttings: After cutting the cuttings, soaking the base in a plant growth regulator; (3) Cutting operation: Dividing the rock wool into small pieces, placing them in plug trays, completely soaking the rock wool in a probiotic solution, and inserting the cuttings into the rock wool; (4) Post-cutting management: Placing the plug trays after cutting in a greenhouse or polytunnel, cultivating for 45-50 days after cutting, and then transplanting. The propagation method of this invention can improve the rooting rate of hops, while the root system of the cuttings is more developed, the plants grow better, and the survival rate after transplanting is higher.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of hop propagation technology, specifically relating to a method for propagating hops by rock wool cuttings in plug trays. Background Technology

[0002] Hops are an indispensable raw material in beer brewing. The α-acids and aromatic volatile substances abundant in their inflorescences play a decisive role in the flavor, bitterness, and preservation properties of beer. With the continuous development of the beer industry, the demand for high-quality hop raw materials is increasing, and traditional propagation methods can no longer meet the dual requirements of modern large-scale planting for both the quantity and quality of seedlings.

[0003] Currently, hop propagation methods mainly include seed propagation, layering propagation, and cutting propagation. Among these, seed propagation suffers from problems such as severe segregation of traits in offspring and poor genetic stability, making it difficult to maintain the superior characteristics of the maternal parent. While layering propagation can maintain the genetic consistency of the maternal parent, it has a low propagation coefficient and is cumbersome to operate, making it difficult to achieve large-scale production. Therefore, traditional propagation methods all have certain limitations in practical applications.

[0004] In recent years, with the development and progress of agricultural technology, cutting propagation, as a highly efficient and stable plant propagation method, has gradually demonstrated its unique value in the rapid propagation of hops due to its significant advantages such as ease of operation, high propagation coefficient, and stable genetic traits. However, despite the many theoretical advantages of cutting propagation technology, it still faces a series of challenges in practical application, particularly problems such as low rooting rate and poor root and stem development. These problems greatly limit its promotion and application in large-scale production.

[0005] First, for hops, the success of propagation by cuttings directly depends on the rooting of the cuttings. An ideal propagation environment should provide sufficient water, oxygen, and a suitable temperature to promote callus formation and the development of healthy roots. However, in practice, unpredictable environmental conditions, such as uneven humidity and temperature, often lead to difficulties in rooting and low rooting rates. This not only prolongs the propagation cycle but also increases production costs. Second, even if some success is achieved in the rooting stage, the development of the root system and stems is often unsatisfactory. A lack of effective nutrient supply and growth regulation results in fragile new roots and thin, weak stems that cannot withstand the environmental changes after transplanting, thus significantly reducing the survival rate. More importantly, most growth regulators currently available for propagation by cuttings have simple compositions and cannot fully meet the needs of hops, a crop with high requirements for growth conditions.

[0006] Therefore, developing a comprehensive solution that can effectively improve the rooting rate and promote the healthy development of roots and stems has become the key to further developing hops cutting propagation technology. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to provide a method for propagating hops by cuttings from rock wool in seed trays.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0009] A method for propagating hops by rock wool cuttings in plug trays includes the following steps:

[0010] (1) Prepare cuttings: Select hop mother plants and cut semi-lignified branches as cuttings;

[0011] (2) Treatment of cuttings: After cutting the cuttings, soak the base in a plant growth regulator;

[0012] (3) Cutting operation: Divide the rock wool into small pieces, put them in the seed tray, soak the rock wool completely with probiotic solution, and insert the cuttings into the rock wool;

[0013] (4) Post-cutting management: Place the cutting trays in a greenhouse or shed and cultivate for 45-50 days before transplanting.

[0014] Preferably, the plant growth regulator comprises the following components: sodium nitrophenolate, indoleacetic acid, naphthaleneacetic acid, methyl anthranilate, and water.

[0015] Preferably, the plant growth regulator comprises the following components: sodium nitrophenolate 100-200 mg / L, indoleacetic acid 100-200 mg / L, naphthaleneacetic acid 400-500 mg / L, methyl anthranilate 5-10 mg / L, and the balance being water.

[0016] While there is considerable research on plant growth regulators, many have relatively simple compositions and types, resulting in limited effectiveness for hops, which are difficult to root from cuttings. Furthermore, there has been little breakthrough in research on growth regulators specifically designed for hop rooting. The plant growth regulator of this invention, through a specific compound formulation, significantly improves the rooting rate of hops, far exceeding that of commercially available products.

[0017] Preferably, the probiotic liquid comprises the following components: 10 7 -10 8 Probiotics at CFU / mL, 0.1%-0.3% glucose, 0.05%-0.1% yeast extract, balance water.

[0018] Preferably, the probiotics include *Lactobacillus plantarum* subsp. *plantatus*, *Bacillus amyloliquefaciens*, and *Rhizobium tumefaciens*.

[0019] Preferably, the probiotics include *Lactobacillus plantarum* subsp. *plantatus*, *Bacillus amyloliquefaciens*, and *Rhizobium tumefaciens* with a live bacteria ratio of 1:(1.2-1.4):(0.5-0.7).

[0020] This invention colonizes probiotics in rock wool, which can improve the root development of hops. Simultaneously, plant growth regulators and probiotics work synergistically to increase the stem height of cuttings, thereby improving the survival rate after transplanting.

[0021] Preferably, the nutrient solution comprises the following components by mass percentage: 0.1%-0.3% glucose, 0.05%-0.1% yeast extract, and the balance being water.

[0022] The nutrient solution used in this invention can provide the basic nutrients for the growth of probiotics, and the appropriate concentration can also ensure that the rock wool will not breed more bacteria.

[0023] Preferably, the rock wool is completely soaked in probiotic solution for 30-60 minutes.

[0024] Preferably, hop mother plants that are more than 2 years old, grow vigorously, and are free from diseases and pests are selected.

[0025] Preferably, semi-lignified branches with a stem diameter of 0.5-1.0 cm and a length of 8-10 cm are selected as cuttings.

[0026] Compared with the prior art, the advantages and beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0027] 1. The plant growth regulator provided by this invention addresses the technical challenges of difficult rooting and low survival rates in hop propagation by cuttings. Through scientific screening and optimized compounding of multiple active ingredients, it significantly improves the rooting rate and quality of hop cuttings. Compared with existing commercially available products, this regulator not only promotes rapid taproot formation but also effectively induces root development, thereby enhancing the plant's absorption capacity and adaptability, and improving transplant survival rate.

[0028] 2. This invention, by colonizing probiotics in a rock wool substrate, effectively improves the developmental environment of hop roots, promotes healthy root growth, and enhances their ability to absorb water and nutrients. The probiotics work synergistically with the plant growth regulator of this invention, significantly increasing not only the rooting rate and root quantity of cuttings but also significantly promoting stem height growth, resulting in robust and uniform seedlings, and greatly improving the overall quality of cuttings and the survival rate after transplanting. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1Images of hops grown from cuttings for 15 days. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below.

[0031] *Lactobacillus plantarum* subsp. *plantatus*, HZB357422, Zhengzhou Fangjue Biotechnology Co., Ltd. *Rhizobium tumefaciens*, HZB195693, Zhengzhou Fangjue Biotechnology Co., Ltd. *Bacillus amyloliquefaciens*, HZB224023, Zhengzhou Fangjue Biotechnology Co., Ltd.

[0032] Example 1

[0033] Please see Figure 1 This embodiment provides a method for propagating hops by rock wool cuttings in plug trays, including the following steps:

[0034] (1) Preparation of cuttings: Select 5-year-old, healthy hop mother plants free from pests and diseases, and cut semi-lignified branches with stems about 0.8 cm in diameter and about 8 cm in length, with plump buds as cuttings, retaining 2 leaves, normally with leaves the size of an egg.

[0035] (2) Treatment of cuttings: After cutting the cuttings, soak the base in a plant growth regulator for 1.5 hours to promote rooting. The plant growth regulator comprises the following components: sodium nitrophenolate 150 mg / L, indoleacetic acid 150 mg / L, naphthaleneacetic acid 450 mg / L, methyl anthranilate 8 mg / L, and the remainder is water.

[0036] (3) Cuttings propagation: Use a 98-cell seedling tray. Cut the rock wool into small pieces (2.5cm*2.5cm*4cm), place them in the tray horizontally, leaving a row empty in the middle to facilitate air circulation and allow the branches and leaves to spread out. Soak the rock wool completely in a probiotic solution for 50 minutes. The probiotic solution includes the following components: 10 7 The rock wool contains CFU / mL of probiotics, 0.2 wt% glucose, 0.06 wt% yeast extract, and the balance being water. The probiotics include *Lactobacillus plantarum* subsp. *plantatus*, *Bacillus amyloliquefaciens*, and *Rhizobium tumefaciens* in a live bacteria ratio of 1:1.3:0.6. Holes are made in the soaked rock wool block with bamboo skewers, and cuttings are inserted into the holes to a depth of approximately 3 / 5 of their length. The rock wool is gently compacted to ensure close contact between the base of the cutting and the rock wool.

[0037] (4) Post-cutting management: Place the cutting trays in a greenhouse, maintaining a temperature of 25℃ and a relative humidity of 85%; avoid direct sunlight by using a 60% shade net to provide diffused light to ensure normal photosynthesis of the cuttings; fill the bottom of the trays with 1.5 cm of water to keep the rock wool moist at all times, and water with nutrient solution every 3 days. The amount of nutrient solution should be 1 times the volume of the rock wool. The nutrient solution should contain the following components by mass percentage: 0.2wt% glucose, 0.06% yeast extract, and the remainder water; after the cuttings have rooted, maintain a relative humidity of 55% and an irradiance of 350W / m². 2 Gradually reduce the area covered by the shade net and gradually increase the light exposure to harden off the seedlings. After 5 days, they can be exposed to normal light. Keep only 0.5 cm of water at the bottom of the seedling tray to promote root growth. After 45 days of cultivation after cutting, they can be transplanted.

[0038] Example 2

[0039] The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that the plant growth regulator comprises the following components: sodium nitrophenolate 100 mg / L, indoleacetic acid 200 mg / L, naphthaleneacetic acid 400 mg / L, methyl anthranilate 10 mg / L, and the remainder is water.

[0040] Example 3

[0041] The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that the plant growth regulator comprises the following components: sodium nitrophenolate 200 mg / L, indoleacetic acid 100 mg / L, naphthaleneacetic acid 500 mg / L, methyl anthranilate 5 mg / L, and the remainder is water.

[0042] Example 4

[0043] The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that the probiotics include Lactobacillus plantarum subsp. plantarum, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, and Rhizobium tumefaciens with a live bacteria ratio of 1:1.2:0.7.

[0044] Example 5

[0045] The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that the probiotics include Lactobacillus plantarum subsp. plantarum, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, and Rhizobium tumefaciens with a live bacteria ratio of 1:1.4:0.5.

[0046] Comparative Example 1

[0047] The difference between this comparative example and Example 1 is that the plant growth regulator is replaced with: Guoguang rooting powder (formula composition: 2.5% naphthaleneacetic acid, 2.5% indolebutyric acid), diluted 800 times, weighed 1.2g, and diluted with water to 1L.

[0048] Comparative Example 2

[0049] The difference between this comparative example and Example 1 is that the proportions of the plant growth regulator components are different.

[0050] The plant growth regulator comprises the following components: sodium nitrophenolate 50 mg / L, indoleacetic acid 50 mg / L, naphthaleneacetic acid 550 mg / L, methyl anthranilate 15 mg / L, and the balance being water.

[0051] Comparative Example 3

[0052] The difference between this comparative example and Example 1 is that the proportions of the plant growth regulator components are different. The plant growth regulator comprises the following components: sodium nitrophenolate 250 mg / L, indoleacetic acid 350 mg / L, naphthaleneacetic acid 350 mg / L, methyl anthranilate 2 mg / L, and the remainder being water.

[0053] Comparative Example 4

[0054] The difference between this comparative example and Example 1 is that the plant growth regulator does not include sodium nitrophenolate.

[0055] The plant growth regulator comprises the following components: 200 mg / L indoleacetic acid, 50 mg / L naphthaleneacetic acid, and the remainder is water.

[0056] Comparative Example 5

[0057] The difference between this comparative example and Example 1 is that the plant growth regulator does not contain methyl anthranilate.

[0058] The plant growth regulator comprises the following components: sodium nitrophenolate 158 mg / L, indoleacetic acid 150 mg / L, naphthaleneacetic acid 450 mg / L, and the remainder is water.

[0059] Comparative Example 6

[0060] The difference between this comparative example and Example 1 is that the plant growth regulator does not include naphthaleneacetic acid.

[0061] The plant growth regulator comprises the following components: sodium nitrophenolate 150 mg / L, indoleacetic acid 600 mg / L, methyl anthranilate 8 mg / L, and the balance being water.

[0062] Comparative Example 7

[0063] The difference between this comparative example and Example 1 is that the probiotic liquid is replaced with water.

[0064] Comparative Example 8

[0065] The difference between this comparative example and Example 1 is that the probiotics include Trichoderma, Lactobacillus plantarum, and Bacillus subtilis with a live bacteria ratio of 1:3:2.

[0066] Comparative Example 9

[0067] The difference between this comparative example and Example 1 is that the probiotics include *Lactobacillus plantarum* subsp. *plantatus*, *Bacillus amyloliquefaciens*, and *Rhizobium tumefaciens* with a live bacteria ratio of 1.3:0.6:1.

[0068] Comparative Example 10

[0069] The difference between this comparative example and Example 1 is that the probiotics include *Lactobacillus plantarum* subsp. *plantatus*, *Bacillus amyloliquefaciens*, and *Rhizobium sarmentosum* with a live count of 0.6:1:1.3:

[0070] Performance testing

[0071] Hops were propagated using the propagation methods described in Examples 1-5 and Comparative Examples 1-10, with 150 plants in each group. The number of surviving cuttings and the number of cuttings producing adventitious roots were counted, and the survival rate and rooting rate were calculated. The number of roots per plant, average plant height, and leaf color after 45 days of cultivation were also recorded. The results are shown in Table 1. Rooting rate = (number of rooted cuttings / total number of cuttings) × 100%.

[0072] Table 1 Test Results

[0073] Number of rooted plants Rooting rate % Average number of roots per plant Example 1 148 98.7 11.4 Example 2 145 96.7 10.7 Example 3 140 93.3 10.3 Example 4 143 95.3 11.2 Example 5 142 94.7 10.9 Comparative Example 1 120 80.0 8.1 Comparative Example 2 138 92.1 9.6 Comparative Example 3 135 90.0 9.2 Comparative Example 4 130 86.7 9.0 Comparative Example 5 133 88.7 9.3 Comparative Example 6 125 83.3 8.3 Comparative Example 7 124 82.7 8.5 Comparative Example 8 129 86.0 8.9 Comparative Example 9 134 89.3 9.4 Comparative Example 10 137 91.5 9.5

[0074] As shown in Table 1, the rooting rate of the development methods in Examples 1-5 is higher than 95%, the cuttings have a large number of roots and the stems grow to a high height, which can significantly improve the survival rate after transplanting.

[0075] Comparative Example 1, using Guoguang rooting powder commonly used in existing technologies, showed a decreased rooting rate and poor plant growth. Comparative Examples 2-6 demonstrate that only when sodium nitrophenolate, indoleacetic acid, naphthaleneacetic acid, and methyl anthranilate are combined in specific proportions can plant growth regulators effectively promote the rooting rate and plant growth of hops.

[0076] Comparative Example 7 demonstrates that the colonization of probiotics in rock wool can improve rooting rate and plant growth. Comparative Examples 8-10 show that only by using specific strains in specific proportions can a good promoting effect be achieved. This invention utilizes the unique mechanisms of action of the three microorganisms selected, as well as their synergistic effects. *Lactobacillus plantarum* subsp. *plantares* inhibits the growth of pathogenic microorganisms by producing metabolites such as organic acids and bacteriocins, thereby reducing the occurrence of root diseases. It also promotes the absorption of nutrients by plant roots, helping to enhance root vitality and health, indirectly promoting the overall growth of the plant. *Bacillus amyloliquefaciens* can produce various enzymes and bioactive substances that can directly stimulate plant cell division and elongation, thereby promoting root development and stem growth. Although rhizobia are traditionally thought to mainly form root nodules in symbiosis with leguminous plants and fix atmospheric nitrogen, it has been found that hops can establish a beneficial relationship with *Rhizobia pumilum* root nodules, helping to provide the nitrogen and other nutrients needed for plant growth, thereby promoting the development of hop roots and overall growth performance. When these three are used together, their respective biological characteristics complement each other, forming a micro-ecological environment that is conducive to the growth of hops.

[0077] The above description represents the preferred embodiments of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various improvements and modifications without departing from the principles of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for propagating hops by rock wool cuttings in plug trays, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: (1) Prepare cuttings: Select hop mother plants and cut semi-lignified branches as cuttings; (2) Treatment of cuttings: After cutting the cuttings, soak the base in a plant growth regulator; the plant growth regulator includes the following components: sodium nitrophenolate 100-200 mg / L, indoleacetic acid 100-200 mg / L, naphthaleneacetic acid 400-500 mg / L, methyl anthranilate 5-10 mg / L, and the remainder is water; (3) Cuttings: Cut the rock wool into small pieces, place them in a seed tray, completely soak the rock wool in probiotic solution, and insert the cuttings into the rock wool; the probiotic solution includes the following components: 10 7 -10 8 The probiotic solution contains CFU / mL of probiotics, 0.1%-0.3% glucose, 0.05%-0.1% yeast extract, and the remainder is water; the ratio of live bacteria of Lactobacillus plantarum subsp. plantarum, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, and Rhizobium tumefaciens in the probiotic solution is 1:(1.2-1.4):(0.5-0.7). (4) Post-cutting management: Place the seedling trays after cutting in a greenhouse or polytunnel and cultivate for 45-50 days before transplanting; Lactobacillus plantarum subsp. plantarum inhibits the growth of pathogenic microorganisms by producing organic acids and bacteriocin metabolites, thereby reducing the occurrence of root diseases. It also promotes the absorption of nutrients by plant roots, which helps to enhance root vitality and health, and indirectly promotes the overall growth of the plant. Bacillus amyloliquefaciens can produce a variety of enzymes and bioactive substances, which directly stimulate plant cell division and elongation, thereby promoting root development and stem growth. Rhizobium tumefaciens helps to provide nitrogen nutrients needed for plant growth, thereby promoting the development of hop roots and overall growth performance. When used in combination, the biological characteristics of each of the three complement each other, forming a micro-ecological environment that is conducive to the growth of hops.

2. The method for propagating hops by rock wool cuttings in plug trays according to claim 1, characterized in that, Soak the rock wool completely in probiotic solution for 30-60 minutes.

3. The method for propagating hops by rock wool cuttings in plug trays according to claim 1, characterized in that, Select hop mother plants that are over 2 years old, growing vigorously, and free from pests and diseases.

4. The method for propagating hops by rock wool cuttings in plug trays according to claim 3, characterized in that, Cut semi-lignified branches with a stem diameter of 0.5-1.0 cm and a length of 8-10 cm as cuttings.

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