Choerospondias axillaris seed storage method

Abstract

The invention discloses a choerospondias axillaris seed storage method, and belongs to the technical field of forest tree seed storage. The method comprises the following steps: removing pulp from harvested choerospondias axillaris, and drying in the shade until seeds are dry in hand feeling and have slight sound when being shaken; the seeds are put into jute bags with high air permeability, and 40-50 kg of the seeds are put into each bag; and the jute bag is horizontally placed at a distance of not less than 0.5 m from the ground. A continuous natural ventilation channel is formed on the grid frame; and naturally ventilating and storing for 1-3 years in a rain-proof, sun-proof, cool and dry environment, wherein temperature control, turning, water replenishing or mildew-proof treatment is not needed in the period. By optimizing the storage environment and the ventilation structure, the seed vigor is effectively kept, the seed germination rate is stabilized at 75% or above, meanwhile, the labor and material cost is greatly reduced, and the method is easy and convenient to operate, environmentally friendly and suitable for large-scale 1-3-year storage of the choerospondias axillaris seeds.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of forest seed storage, in particular to a Choerospondias axillaris seed storage method. BACKGROUND

[0002] Choerospondias axillaris (Choerospondias axillaris), also known as five-eyed fruit, mountain jujube, and snot fruit, is the fruit of a deciduous tree in the Anacardiaceae family, mainly distributed in southern, central and southwestern China. Its fruit, kernel, and bark have medicinal and edible value, and its seeds have deep dormancy characteristics and need to be stored to break dormancy before sowing. Existing storage techniques mainly include wet sand stratified storage, low-temperature cold storage, and dry storage.

[0003] Wet sand stratified storage involves dividing the sand into 2-3 layers, with one layer of sand and one layer of seeds, each layer of sand being 2-3 cm thick, and covering the top layer with a layer of wet sand, then covering it with plastic film to maintain moisture, and pressing the film around with bricks to prevent rodent damage, then checking and turning over every half month to maintain the sand moisture at 40-60% (Patent Publication No. CN107750782A, State Forestry and Grassland Administration. Technical Regulations for Choerospondias axillaris Timber Plantation: LY / T 3269-2021 [S]. Beijing: China Standard Press, 2021: 5-6.); this method requires regular moisture detection, is cumbersome to operate, and is prone to mold due to excessive moisture. Low-temperature cold storage involves storing the seeds in a fresh-keeping cabinet or refrigerator to control the temperature, and during this period, it is necessary to prevent water loss and provide air for seed respiration (Xiong W, Wang J, Sun R, et al. Research progress on seedling cultivation of Choerospondias axillaris [J]. Southern Forestry Science, 2023, 51(1): 54-58.); this method requires continuous temperature and humidity maintenance, has high energy consumption, and also needs to consider the air required for seed respiration, making the operation cumbersome and the seed germination rate low. Dry storage involves first reducing the seed moisture content to 8-10%, then packaging it in a hemp bag, and storing it in a cool and ventilated room over winter (Huinong Network. Efficient cultivation techniques and pest control points for Choerospondias axillaris [EB / OL]. 2021-09-05.); this method is relatively simple to operate, but it is only suitable for short-term seed storage (over winter) in low-temperature environments, and the seeds are prone to mold in higher temperatures, and long-term storage using this method is similar to low-temperature cold storage, resulting in a low seed germination rate.

[0004] In the article "Research Progress on the Breeding Techniques of Elaeagnus conferta Seedlings" (Xiong W, Wang J, Sun R, et al. Research Progress on the Breeding Techniques of Elaeagnus conferta Seedlings [J]. Southern Forestry Science, 2023, 51(1): 54-58.), it is mentioned that the germination rate of Elaeagnus conferta seeds under natural conditions is unstable and has a dormancy period, and the seeds need to be stored to improve the activity level of internal nutrients and enzyme substances, thereby promoting the early end of seed dormancy and subsequent germination. Yang Lizhi (Yang Lizhi, Traditional Breeding Techniques of Elaeagnus conferta [D]. Nanchang: Jiangxi Agricultural University, 2013.) conducted indoor and outdoor sand storage, 5℃ and 0℃ low-temperature cold storage treatment of seeds, among which the indoor and outdoor sand storage had shorter germination time and better germination rate than cold storage. Among the wet sand storage, outdoor storage was the best, with a germination rate of 82.6%, which was similar to the research results of Wang Shuren (Wang Shuren, Elaeagnus conferta Seedling and Cultivation Management Techniques [J]. Forestry Science and Technology Development, 2005(1): 75-76.), Zhang Wenhong (Zhang Wenhong, Green Technology of Elaeagnus conferta Afforestation Experiment in Harvested Site of Cunninghamia lanceolata in Tengchong County, 2015(2): 169-170.), and Wang Weibin (Wang Weibin, Jing Yuebo, Yang Dejun, et al. Seed Collection and Treatment Techniques of Seven Native Broad-leaved Tree Species in Yunnan Hot Zone [J]. Western Forestry Science, 2008(2): 17-20.). It can be seen that sand storage is the best for Elaeagnus conferta seed storage, and the sand humidity should be maintained during sand storage to maintain the normal moisture inside the seeds, providing favorable conditions for subsequent germination. In the article "Elaeagnus conferta Cultivation Techniques" (Yueyang Forestry Bureau. Elaeagnus conferta Cultivation Techniques [EB / OL]. 2013-01-28.), it is disclosed that the seed collection period in Hunan and other places is from the middle to late September to the late October. When the fruit skin turns yellow and the fruit flesh gradually softens, the fruit can be harvested. After the fruit is harvested, it should not be stored for too long, and it is best to be treated immediately after harvesting. The harvested fruit is immersed in water for 10-20 days, and the fruit flesh is rubbed out, then it is sowed or stored wet; or the fruit is stored for 2-3 days after harvesting, then it is soaked and washed to get the seeds, which are then dried and stored in wet sand. Generally, 10-15 kg of seeds can be obtained from every hundred kilograms of fruit, the thousand seed weight is 2250-3400 g, and the germination rate is 60-70%.

[0005] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a long-term storage, low-cost, high-germination-rate, and easy-to-operate Elaeagnus conferta seed storage method. SUMMARY

[0006] The technical problem to be solved by the present application is to overcome the defects of short storage time, high cost, low germination rate, and complex operation of the prior art, and to provide a long-term storage, low-cost, high-germination-rate, and easy-to-operate Elaeagnus conferta seed storage method.

[0007] In order to solve the above technical problems, the present application provides a Ziziphus spina-christi seed storage method, comprising the following steps: S1, removing the pulp of the harvested Ziziphus spina-christi and air-drying for 3-5 days or drying until the hand feels dry and shaking has a slight sound, thereby obtaining Ziziphus spina-christi seeds; S2, packing the air-dried or dried Ziziphus spina-christi seeds into breathable jute bags, with a seed loading capacity of 40-50 kg per bag and tightly closing the bag opening; S3, placing the jute bags containing Ziziphus spina-christi seeds on a grid frame ≥0.5 m above the ground, so that a continuous natural ventilation channel is formed between the bottom of the jute bag and the ground; S4, storing in a rain-proof and sun-proof cool and dry environment with natural ventilation for 1-3 years, without additional temperature control, artificial turning, water replenishment, or mildew prevention treatment during storage, so that the seed germination rate is ≥75%.

[0008] As some embodiments of the present application, the jute bag in step S2 is a jute or sisal woven bag with a breathability ≥500 L / m²·s and no inner plastic layer.

[0009] As some embodiments of the present application, the grid frame in step S3 is made of wood, bamboo or metal, and the bearing surface is composed of multiple parallel or intersecting grid bars with a spacing of 2-15 cm, so that air can penetrate the jute bag from bottom to top.

[0010] As some embodiments of the present application, the rain-proof and sun-proof environment in step S4 is provided with a sunshade, and the sunshade has a light blocking rate of 50-70%.

[0011] As some embodiments of the present application, the rain-proof and sun-proof environment in step S4 is provided with a ventilated warehouse, and the relative humidity of the warehouse is maintained at 40-60%.

[0012] As some embodiments of the present application, in step S1, the drying is performed by natural air-drying or low-temperature air-drying at 25-30°C, avoiding direct sunlight.

[0013] As some embodiments of the present application, a rat-proof plate or rat-proof net is arranged below the grid frame, and the height of the rat-proof plate from the ground is 0.4-1.2 m. Since it is difficult for rats to bite Ziziphus spina-christi seeds, rats generally do not bite the seeds, and the arrangement of the rat-proof plate or rat-proof net is beneficial to prevent rats from biting the jute bags.

[0014] As some embodiments of the present application, the jute bags are arranged in a single layer or multiple layers on the grid frame, with a layer thickness ≤3 layers, and a breathable partition strip with a thickness ≥2 cm is arranged between adjacent layers.

[0015] As some embodiments of the present application, during the storage period, monthly sampling and detection are performed, and if the surface of the jute bag is found to be damp, the jute bag is moved to a ventilated place for air-drying and then re-stacked.

[0016] As some embodiments of the present application, once a month during storage, if the season or weather is easy to return to the moisture, a layer of about 1cm thick of quicklime can be pre-spread on the ground where the grid frame is placed to prevent moisture.

[0017] As a preferred embodiment of the present application, the sunshade is a foldable canvas tent or a color steel tile tent, which is provided with a rollable ventilation curtain around the tent, and the ventilation curtain forms a lateral ventilation opening when rolled up.

[0018] As a preferred embodiment of the present application, the grid frame is provided with universal wheels at the bottom, and the universal wheels are provided with brake mechanisms to facilitate overall movement and positioning.

[0019] As a preferred embodiment of the present application, the side surface of the grid frame is provided with a temperature and humidity indicating card, and the indicating card has a temperature range of 0℃ to 50℃ and a humidity range of 10% to 90% RH.

[0020] Compared with the prior art, the present application has the following advantages: 1. Long storage period: 1-3 years of long-term storage can be achieved without manual intervention, effectively dealing with the annual fluctuations in seed availability, and providing reliable protection for the continuous supply of Ziziphus jujuba seedlings.

[0021] 2. Significant cost reduction: No chemical agents, special refrigeration equipment or wet sand materials are required, only reusable burlap and grid frames are used, and no frequent manual stirring, water replenishment or mildew prevention treatment is required during storage, resulting in a comprehensive cost reduction of more than 90% compared to traditional methods, especially suitable for resource-limited mountainous areas and large-scale application.

[0022] 3. High and stable germination rate: By optimizing the storage environment and using natural ventilation and moisture prevention, the seeds remain highly active during 1-3 years of storage, with a stable seed germination rate of more than 75%, significantly higher than existing sand storage and refrigeration methods, and with slow annual germination rate decay.

[0023] 4. Simple operation, labor saving: Once the seeds are packaged and placed on the grid frame, no additional management is required, avoiding the tedious operations of frequent inspection, humidity adjustment and medium replacement in traditional methods, greatly reducing the labor burden.

[0024] 5. Strong environmental adaptability: The method fully utilizes natural ventilation and shading conditions, does not rely on external energy, and is suitable for various climate environments, especially in the hot and humid south, it can still effectively prevent mildew and dryness, and has good universality and stability. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0025] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the specific embodiments of the present application or the prior art, the following will briefly introduce the drawings needed to be used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are only a part of the embodiments of the present application, and other drawings can also be obtained by those skilled in the art without creative labor on the basis of these drawings.

[0026] Figure 1 The columnar chart of the germination rate of the stored Ziziphus mauritiana seeds in each mode of the embodiments of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] In order to make the technical means, creative features, purposes and effects achieved by the present application easy to understand, the technical solutions in the specific embodiments of the present application will be described clearly and completely below to further illustrate the present application. Obviously, the described specific embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present application, not all.

[0028] The traditional storage method of Ziziphus mauritiana seeds has problems such as short storage time, high cost, low germination rate, complex operation, etc., and is difficult to adapt to the influence of the fluctuation of seed acquisition amount in the season, resulting in certain technical difficulties in large-scale promotion in mountainous areas. The existing technologies such as wet sand stratified storage, low-temperature cold storage and dry storage method all have limitations. Therefore, the present application provides an improved Ziziphus mauritiana seed storage method to solve these problems and improve the germination rate of the seeds.

[0029] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application are as follows to solve the above problems: S1, removing the pulp of the harvested Ziziphus mauritiana and drying it to dry to the touch and with a slight rattling sound when shaken, i.e. obtaining Ziziphus mauritiana seeds; S2, packing the dried Ziziphus mauritiana seeds into breathable hemp bags, each bag containing 40kg-50kg of seeds and tightly closing the bag opening; S3, placing the hemp bags containing Ziziphus mauritiana seeds on a grid frame ≥0.5m from the ground, so as to form a continuous natural ventilation channel between the bottom of the hemp bag and the ground; S4, storing in a rain-proof and sun-proof cool and dry environment for 1-3 years with natural ventilation, without additional temperature control or manual turning, water replenishment and mildew prevention treatment during storage, so as to make the seed germination rate ≥75%.

[0030] In order to better understand the above technical solutions, the above technical solutions will be described in detail in the specific embodiments below.

[0031] Embodiment 1: In this embodiment, a Ziziphus mauritiana seed storage method is used to store Ziziphus mauritiana seeds in the Gannan region and verify the storage effect: The materials required in the embodiment include Ziziphus spina-christi seeds, breathable burlap bags, lattice frames, sunshades. In order to better present the scheme and effect of the method, a temperature and humidity indicator card is used in the embodiment to record the temperature and humidity in the sunshade. The storage steps of Ziziphus spina-christi seeds in the embodiment are as follows: S1, after the Ziziphus spina-christi fruits naturally fall off after ripening (in late October 2022), they are collected and piled and decomposed for 3-5 days (straw is used to promote softening of the pulp), then the pulp is washed off with running water, and the floating water, empty seeds, insect-eaten seeds and broken seeds are removed by flotation, and the full seeds that sink are retained. Then the seeds are soaked in 0.5% potassium permanganate solution for 30 minutes, rinsed with clean water and spread out to dry in a well-ventilated and shaded place (in this embodiment, the Ziziphus spina-christi seeds are placed on a mat and dried in the shade), and turned over daily for 5 days until they are dry to the touch and have a slight rattling sound when shaken, then the Ziziphus spina-christi seeds are obtained, and tests show that the moisture content of the Ziziphus spina-christi seeds is ≤25%.

[0032] S2, the dried Ziziphus spina-christi seeds are placed in breathable yellow hemp woven bags without plastic inner film (breathability 550 L / m²·s), with 45 kg of Ziziphus spina-christi seeds per bag, and the bag opening is tied tightly.

[0033] S3, the burlap bags containing Ziziphus spina-christi seeds are placed flat on the lattice frame made of cedar wood 1 m above the ground, with a width of about 5 cm, and an interval of 8 cm between adjacent cedar boards, so that air can penetrate the burlap bags from bottom to top, ensuring that a natural ventilation channel can be formed between the bottom and the ground, the burlap bags on the lattice frame 1 m above the ground are not damp and are ventilated all around, so that the seeds in the burlap bags remain dry and facilitate seed respiration. And a rat-proof board is set under the lattice frame, which is 0.8 m away from the ground (it can be freely set according to the situation, although mice will not eat seeds, but it is used here to prevent mice from biting the burlap bags and affecting the experiment).

[0034] S4, storage in a color steel tile shed with a rollable ventilation curtain, the ventilation curtain forms a lateral ventilation opening when rolled up, and the light shielding rate of the color steel tile shed is 60%. During storage, samples are taken every month, and it is found that after each northerly wind, the surface of the burlap bag will feel damp, at which time the burlap bag needs to be moved to a well-ventilated place to dry before being placed back on the rack.

[0035] In other embodiments of the present application, yellow hemp or sisal woven bags can be selected according to the specific environment, and the lattice frame can be made of wood, bamboo or metal. The sunshade can be a foldable canvas shed or a color steel tile shed, and a ventilation curtain is provided to adapt to different climates in different regions. The lattice frame can be equipped with universal wheels for easy movement.

[0036] During the implementation of the embodiment, seed germination and sowing experiments were carried out in mid-March 2023, mid-March 2024 and mid-March 2025, and the germination rates were 90.2%, 83.7% and 76.1% respectively, as shown in Table 1.

[0037] To fully illustrate the effectiveness of the method of the present application, while carrying out the examples of the present application, the applicant also stored part of the seed of Ziziphus spina-christi obtained in step S1 of example 1 using the outdoor sand storage method, the indoor sand storage method, low-temperature refrigeration and dry storage method in the prior art. Among them: The specific way of using the outdoor sand storage method for storage is: select a cool and wind-sheltered high place outdoors, dig a pit with a length of 50 cm, a width of 40 cm and a depth of 30 cm, mix the seeds and wet sand at a ratio of 1:3, and evenly spread them in the pit. Pile 20 cm thick sand on top, pile it into a conical shape with 10 cm above ground level, insert a perforated bamboo tube from the center to the bottom of the pit (for ventilation), and mark it. Check the temperature and humidity in the pit every half month and adjust it in time. Cover the pit with a layer of film to prevent water seepage when it rains.

[0038] The specific way of using the indoor sand storage method for storage is: first pad with dry sand, then sprinkle a layer of Ziziphus spina-christi seeds, cover with about 2 cm of sand, sprinkle another layer of seeds, cover with a layer of about 3 cm of sand with a humidity of 70%, and finally cover with a plastic film to keep it moist. The film around the film is tightly pressed with bricks to prevent rat damage; then check and move it every half month, keep the humidity of the sand at about 60% (knead the fine river sand into a ball, and when the sand ball naturally loosens, it means the humidity is appropriate), that is, when it is found that the sand adheres to the surface of the seed core, adjust the dry sand in time, and when the sand cannot be kneaded into a ball, adjust the water in time.

[0039] The specific way of using the low-temperature refrigeration method for storage is: store the seeds in a Haier fresh-keeping cabinet for temperature control refrigeration, with a temperature control of 5℃. The seeds are packed in sealed bags to prevent water loss. A certain amount of air is left in the sealed bag to facilitate seed respiration, and the sealed bag is opened every half month to replace the new air.

[0040] The specific way of using the dry storage method for storage is: pack the Ziziphus spina-christi seeds in a breathable yellow hemp woven bag (breathability 550 L / m²·s) without plastic inner film, and directly store them in a cool and ventilated room.

[0041] During the implementation of this comparative example, seed germination and sowing experiments were carried out in mid-March 2023, mid-March 2024 and mid-March 2025, respectively, and the germination rates are shown in Table 1 and Figure 1 .

[0042] Table 1 Germination rate of Ziziphus spina-christi seeds stored by different methods As shown in Table 1, the method of the present application significantly reduces the storage cost by natural ventilation, and saves the use of chemical agents, refrigerators and sand humidity maintenance. By optimizing the basic conditions of storage, the germination rate of aged seeds can still reach more than 75%. At the same time, the operation is simple, suitable for large-scale application in rural areas, and environmentally friendly.

[0043] As can be seen from the above, the low-temperature refrigeration method mainly uses refrigeration equipment such as refrigerator and consumes electricity, which increases the cost of storing seeds; the outdoor sand storage method and the indoor sand storage method, because the height of the sand storage is not too high, so the same amount of seeds occupies more space, increasing the storage cost; and the seeds are prone to rot if watered too much. Compared with the outdoor sand storage method, the indoor sand storage method and the low-temperature refrigeration method, the present application can have a better germination rate in preserving aged seeds (seeds stored for 1-3 years), and has low cost.

[0044] The above describes the main technical features, basic principles and related advantages of the present application. For those skilled in the art, it is obvious that the present application is not limited to the details of the above exemplary embodiments, and the present application can be realized in other specific forms without departing from the concept or basic characteristics of the present application. Therefore, from any point of view, the above-mentioned specific embodiments should be regarded as exemplary and non-limiting, and the scope of the present application is defined by the appended claims rather than the above description, and therefore all changes falling within the meaning and scope of the equivalent elements of the claims are intended to be included in the present application.

[0045] In addition, it should be understood that although the present specification is described according to each embodiment, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution, and the description manner of the specification is only for the sake of clarity, and those skilled in the art should consider the specification as a whole, and the technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that those skilled in the art can understand.

Claims

1. A method for storing jujube seeds, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1. Remove the pulp from the harvested jujubes and air-dry or shade-dry them for 3-5 days until they feel dry to the touch and make a slight rattling sound when shaken. This will yield the jujube seeds. S2. Pack the dried or shade-dried jujube seeds into breathable burlap bags, with each bag containing 40kg to 50kg of seeds, and tie the bag tightly. S3. Place the burlap sacks containing jujube seeds flat on a grid frame at a height of ≥0.5m above the ground to create a continuous natural ventilation channel between the bottom of the burlap sacks and the ground. S4. Store in a cool, dry, and ventilated environment protected from rain and sun for 1 to 3 years. No additional temperature control, manual turning, watering, or anti-mold treatment is required during storage to achieve a seed germination rate of ≥75%.

2. The method for storing Chinese jujube seeds according to claim 1, characterized in that, The burlap bag mentioned in step S2 is a jute or sisal woven bag with an air permeability of ≥500L / m²·s and no inner plastic lining.

3. The method for storing *Ziziphus jujuba* seeds according to claim 1, characterized in that, The grid frame mentioned in step S3 is made of wood, bamboo or metal, and its bearing surface is composed of multiple parallel or intersecting grid bars with a spacing of 2cm to 15cm, so that air can penetrate the burlap sack from bottom to top.

4. The method for storing Chinese jujube seeds according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rain and sun protection environment described in step S4 is a sunshade with a shading rate of 50% to 70%.

5. A method for storing jujube seeds according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rainproof and sunproof environment described in step S4 is a ventilated warehouse with a relative humidity maintained at 40% to 60%.

6. The method for storing *Ziziphus jujuba* seeds according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step S1, air drying is carried out by natural shade drying or low-temperature air drying at 25℃~30℃, avoiding direct sunlight.

7. A method for storing jujube seeds according to claim 1, characterized in that, The grid frame is equipped with casters at the bottom, which are equipped with a braking mechanism to facilitate overall movement and positioning. The side of the grid frame is equipped with a temperature and humidity indicator card, with a range of temperature 0℃~50℃ and humidity 10%~90%RH.

8. A method for storing jujube seeds according to claim 1, characterized in that, The burlap sacks are laid flat in a single layer or stacked in multiple layers on the grid frame, with the number of stacked layers ≤ 3, and breathable partitions with a thickness ≥ 2cm are provided between adjacent layers.

9. A method for storing jujube seeds according to claim 1, characterized in that, A random inspection will be conducted monthly during storage. If the surface of the burlap sack is found to be damp, the sack will be moved to a ventilated place to air dry before being put back on the shelf. Spread quicklime on the ground where the grid frame is placed to prevent moisture.

10. A method for storing jujube seeds according to claim 4, characterized in that, The sunshade is a foldable canvas awning or corrugated steel tile awning, with rollable ventilation curtains around its perimeter. When the ventilation curtains are rolled up, they form lateral ventilation openings.

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