Pomegranate seed seedling raising substrate and seedling raising method

Abstract

The invention relates to a pomegranate seed seedling raising substrate and a seedling raising method, and aims to solve the problems of low emergence rate, low seedling rate, poor seedling growth and the like in a pomegranate seed seedling raising technology in the prior art. In the pomegranate seed seedling raising substrate, the volume ratio of turf to vermiculite to perlite to mushroom residues is (2-4): (2-4): (1-3): (1-3), then optimization is performed to obtain the substrate with the best synergistic ratio of the mushroom residues to the turf to the vermiculite to the perlite, and the volume ratio is 3: 3: 2: 2. According to the seedling culture substrate, the success rate of pomegranate seedling culture can be remarkably increased, robust growth of seedlings is promoted, an ideal microenvironment suitable for pomegranate seed germination and seedling growth is creatively constructed, a synergistic effect is generated in pomegranate seedling culture, the technical effect is remarkable, and the bottleneck problem in the prior art is effectively solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of plant seedling technology, specifically to a pomegranate seedling substrate and seedling method. Background Technology

[0003] In pomegranate production practices, asexual reproduction (such as cuttings) is the main method of seedling cultivation, suitable for the large-scale promotion of superior varieties. However, in the process of new variety breeding, seed propagation is still necessary, that is, seeds obtained through hybridization, seed selection, or bud mutation selection are sown for seedling cultivation. Currently, research on pomegranate seedling cultivation technology is relatively weak, and there are prominent problems such as low germination rate, low seedling establishment rate, and weak seedling growth, which seriously restrict the efficiency of pomegranate breeding and the innovation of germplasm resources.

[0004] The main reasons for this are that conventional seedling substrates (such as ordinary garden soil or conventional mixed substrates) often have the following defects: ① Poor physical structure: It is difficult to achieve an ideal balance between the aeration and water retention of the substrate. It is either too compact, which affects root respiration and extension, or too loose, which makes it difficult to maintain stable moisture, which is not conducive to seed germination and seedling growth; ② Uneven nutrient supply: It fails to provide suitable and balanced nutrients for the special nutritional needs of pomegranate seed germination and early seedling growth; ③ Potential biological stress: The substrate may carry pathogens, insect eggs, etc., which increases the risk of seedling disease and affects seedling maturity.

[0005] Therefore, it is urgent to develop a special substrate formula and supporting seedling cultivation method that is efficient, environmentally friendly and low-cost for pomegranate seedling cultivation, so as to solve the key bottleneck problems in the existing technology, such as difficulty in seedling emergence, low seedling rate and poor seedling quality, support the development of new pomegranate variety breeding and efficient industrialized seedling industry, and thus promote the innovation and upgrading of pomegranate seed industry.

[0006] The information disclosed in this background section is intended only to enhance the understanding of the background technology of this disclosure and should not be construed as an admission or in any way implying that the information constitutes prior art known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This invention aims to overcome the shortcomings of existing pomegranate seedling cultivation technology, such as low germination rate, low seedling establishment rate, and poor seedling growth, and provides a special seedling substrate and its application method that can significantly improve the germination efficiency of pomegranate seeds, promote the coordinated development of roots and aboveground parts, and improve the quality of seedlings.

[0008] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a pomegranate seedling substrate is provided, comprising peat moss, vermiculite, perlite and mushroom residue, wherein the volume ratio of peat moss, vermiculite, perlite and mushroom residue is (2~4):(2~4):(1~3):(1~3).

[0009] Preferably, the volume ratio of peat moss, vermiculite, perlite, and mushroom residue in the pomegranate seedling substrate is 3:3:2:2.

[0010] The mushroom residue is fully decomposed, pathogen-free, and has a particle size ≤ 5 mm, which is edible mushroom cultivation waste; the peat moss is horticultural grade peat moss with a pH of 5.0~6.5 and an organic matter content ≥ 60%; the vermiculite and perlite are horticultural grade inorganic matrix materials with a particle size of 2~4 mm.

[0011] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the pomegranate seedling substrate is used in the cultivation of pomegranate seedlings.

[0012] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the pomegranate seedling substrate is used in the breeding of new pomegranate varieties.

[0013] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a method for cultivating pomegranate seeds is provided, comprising the following steps: (1) Soak pomegranate seeds in a 500-1000 mg / L gibberellin solution for 10-14 hours; (2) Sow the treated seeds in the above-mentioned pomegranate seedling substrate, and cover them with soil to a thickness of 0.5~1.0 cm; (3) Germination culture is carried out under constant temperature of 22~28℃, in darkness or low light conditions, and the substrate is kept moist; (4) After emergence, switch to regular light management and maintain the substrate moisture content at 60-80% of field capacity.

[0014] One or more technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application have at least the following technical effects or advantages: 1. Significantly Improved Seedling Success Rate: Using the seedling substrate with a specific ratio (peat moss: vermiculite: perlite: mushroom residue = 3:3:2:2) of this invention can significantly improve the germination rate and seedling establishment rate of pomegranate seeds. Experimental data shows that the optimal formula (treatment 5 in Example 1) achieved a germination rate of 36.67% and a seedling establishment rate as high as 46.67%, far superior to other formulas (such as treatment 4, which had the lowest seedling establishment rate of only 6.67%), effectively solving the key problems of difficult germination and seedling establishment in the cultivation of pomegranate seedlings.

[0015] 2. Promoting robust seedling growth: ① Above-ground growth: This seedling substrate significantly promotes seedling height growth, increases the number of true leaves, expands crown width, and thickens the stem diameter. For example, treatment 5 showed significantly better results than other treatment combinations in terms of plant height (12.81 cm), number of true leaves (122.44), crown width (56.28 mm), and stem diameter (2.52 mm). This indicates that the substrate provides a superior environment for the vegetative growth of the above-ground parts of the seedlings. ② Root development: This seedling substrate effectively promotes the accumulation of root biomass (significantly increased root wet weight and root dry weight), stimulates root elongation (significantly increased root length), and increases the number of root tips. For example, treatment 5 showed the best results in root wet weight, root length, and number of root tips, which were 3.33 times, 3.07 times, and 3 times that of the worst-performing treatment, respectively. A well-developed root system provides strong support for the absorption of water and nutrients, which is the foundation for robust seedling growth. The synergistic improvement of the above-ground and underground indicators contributed to the enhancement of the overall growth of seedlings and the improvement of their stress resistance.

[0016] 3. Optimization of Substrate Physical Structure and Nutrient Supply Mechanism: Through the synergistic formulation of peat moss, vermiculite, perlite, and mushroom residue, an ideal microenvironment suitable for pomegranate seed germination and seedling growth was creatively constructed. ① Optimized Physical Structure: This formulation ensures the substrate has good aeration and drainage (thanks to vermiculite and perlite) and moderate water and fertilizer retention capacity (thanks to peat moss and mushroom residue), providing ideal space for root respiration and extension, and preventing waterlogging, root rot, or excessive water loss. ② Optimized Nutrient Supply: The introduction of fermented mushroom residue not only provides abundant organic matter and slow-release nutrients, but its beneficial microbial flora may also have a positive effect on root health. Its combination with components such as peat moss achieves a balanced and sustained supply of nutrients, meeting the needs of pomegranate seedlings at specific growth stages.

[0017] In summary, this invention is the first to discover that a combination of mushroom residue, peat moss, vermiculite, and perlite in a certain proportion produces an unexpected synergistic effect in the cultivation of pomegranate (especially Tunisian soft-seeded pomegranate) seedlings, effectively solving the bottleneck problem in existing pomegranate seedling cultivation technology. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This paper illustrates the effect of different substrate treatments on the germination rate of pomegranate seedlings in one embodiment of this application.

[0019] Figure 2 This paper illustrates the effect of different substrate treatments on the number and survival rate of pomegranate seedlings in one embodiment of this application.

[0020] Figure 3 This is a comparison diagram of the growth of pomegranate seedlings cultivated under different substrate treatments in the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0021] To better understand the technical solution of this application, the above technical solution will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0022] Unless otherwise specified, the instruments and equipment involved in the following embodiments are all conventional instruments and equipment; the raw materials involved are all commercially available conventional raw materials; and the processing methods involved are all conventional methods unless otherwise specified.

[0023] Example 1: Preparation and Performance Verification of Pomegranate Seedling Substrate 1. Material Preparation ① Pomegranate seeds: The tested variety was Tunisian soft-seeded pomegranate (Punica granatum 'Tunisia'), which was harvested in Xichuan County, Nanyang City, Henan Province in October 2024. The seeds were extracted in February 2025, and plump, disease-free seeds were selected for use.

[0024] ② Matrix components: Peat moss: Commercially available, pH 5.5-6.5, organic matter content ≥50%.

[0025] Vermiculite: 2-4 mm in particle size, expanded vermiculite.

[0026] Perlite: 1-3 mm in size, free of impurities.

[0027] Mushroom residue: It is the waste material from oyster mushroom cultivation. It is composted and fermented (fermentation cycle of 30 days, turning the pile 3 times until there is no ammonia smell and the moisture content is 30%-40%), and then crushed and passed through a 5 mm sieve.

[0028] ③Reagent: Gibberellin (GA3), analytical grade, prepared as an 800 mg / L aqueous solution.

[0029] 2. Seed pretreatment Wash the pomegranate seeds with clean water, then soak them in an 800 mg / L gibberellin solution for 12 hours at a temperature of 25°C. After soaking, remove the seeds and rinse them three times with distilled water.

[0030] 3. Matrix ratio design Seven different volume ratios of matrix were prepared (see Table 1). Each component was accurately weighed according to the volume ratio, mixed evenly, and then filled into 72-well trays (5 cm in diameter and 10 cm in depth), with each well filled with approximately 50 mL of matrix.

[0031] Table 1. Experimental matrix ratio design (volume ratio) .

[0032] 4. Seedling Management Pretreated seeds were sown in each substrate treatment, one seed per hole, with 60 seeds sown per treatment, and three replicates (i.e., a total of 180 seeds / treatment). After sowing, a thin layer of substrate (approximately 0.5 cm) was covered. Seedlings were raised in a greenhouse (temperature 25-30℃ during the day, 15-20℃ at night, relative humidity 60%-80%). Watering was done daily according to substrate moisture, keeping the substrate moist (60%-70% water content), avoiding waterlogging and drought. No fertilizer was applied.

[0033] 5. Indicator Measurement Emergence rate and seedling survival rate: Observe continuously for 13 days after sowing, count the number of seedlings that emerge, and calculate the emergence rate (emergence rate = number of seedlings / number of seeds × 100%). Count the number of seedlings that survive and grow normally 90 days after sowing, and calculate the seedling survival rate (seedling survival rate = number of seedlings / number of seeds × 100%).

[0034] Aboveground indicators: 90 days after sowing, 10 seedlings were randomly selected from each treatment to measure plant height (from ground to growing point), number of true leaves, crown width (average value in east-west and north-south directions), ground diameter (base diameter), leaf length (maximum true leaf length), leaf width (maximum true leaf width), and relative chlorophyll content (SPAD value, measured using a chlorophyll meter).

[0035] Root system indicators: The roots of the seedlings were completely removed, rinsed clean, and scanned using a root scanner (MICROTEK). The root length, average root diameter, root volume, root surface area, root projected area, and number of root tips were analyzed using a root analysis system (Top Cloud Agriculture GXY-A). The wet weight of the roots was weighed after scanning, and then dried at 70℃ to constant weight. The dry weight of the roots was then measured, and the dry weight was calculated (dry weight = dry weight / wet weight × 100%).

[0036] 6. Experimental Results Emergence and seedling survival rates: Treatment 5 had the highest emergence and seedling survival rates, at 36.67% and 46.67% respectively, significantly higher than other treatments (e.g., treatment 4 had an emergence and seedling survival rate of 6.67%). See also Figure 1 and Figure 2 .

[0037] Aboveground growth: Seedlings in treatment 5 showed significantly better height (12.81 cm), number of true leaves (122.44), crown width (56.28 mm), and ground diameter (2.52 mm) than those in other treatments (P<0.05). Leaf length, leaf width, and chlorophyll content showed no significant differences but were good (Table 2).

[0038] Root development: Treatment 5 showed significantly higher root wet weight (0.30 g), root length (317.64 cm), root surface area (21.08 cm²), root projected area (6.71 cm²), and root tip number (675.00), while having a lower root-to-dry-to-fresh ratio (54.34%), indicating strong root vigor (Table 3). Figure 3 ).

[0039] Correlation analysis: Aboveground indicators such as plant height, number of true leaves, crown width, and ground diameter were significantly positively correlated with root indicators such as root wet weight, root length, and number of root tips (P<0.01), confirming the synergistic improvement of the overall growth of seedlings (see Table 4).

[0040] Table 2 Effects of different substrate treatments on the aboveground growth of pomegranate seedlings Note: Different lowercase letters after the data in the same column indicate significant differences (P<0.05).

[0041] Table 3 Effects of different substrate treatments on the root system of pomegranate seedlings Note: Different lowercase letters after the data in the same column indicate significant differences (P<0.05).

[0042] Table 4-1 Correlation Analysis of Test Indicators .

[0043] Table 4-2 Correlation Analysis of Test Indicators ** indicates a highly significant correlation at the 0.01 level, and * indicates a significant correlation at the 0.05 level.

[0044] Example 2: Validation of matrix ratio range To verify the effectiveness of the substrate raw material ratio range of this invention (peat moss: vermiculite: perlite: mushroom residue = (2-4):(2-4):(1-3):(1-3)), an additional ratio boundary test was set up based on Example 1: Mixing ratio A: 2:2:1:1 (volume ratio); Formula B: 4:4:3:3 (volume ratio); Comparison: Treatment 5 (3:3:2:2) and Treatment 4 (4:3:2:1) in Example 1.

[0045] Results: The germination rate (30.0% and 32.5%, respectively) and seedling establishment rate (40.0% and 42.5%, respectively) of both ratios A and B were significantly higher than those of treatment 4 (germination rate 6.67% and seedling establishment rate 6.67%), and the seedling growth indicators (plant height, root length, etc.) were better than those of the conventional substrate (treatment 7). Although the effect was slightly lower than the optimal ratio (treatment 5), it was still within a reasonable range, confirming that this volume ratio range can effectively improve the pomegranate seedling cultivation effect.

[0046] Although some preferred embodiments of the invention have been described, those skilled in the art, upon learning the basic inventive concept, can make other changes and modifications to these embodiments. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to be interpreted as including the preferred embodiments as well as all changes and modifications falling within the scope of the invention.

[0047] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this invention without departing from the spirit and scope of its inventive concept. Therefore, if these modifications and variations of the invention fall within the scope of the claims of this application and their equivalents, the invention is also intended to include these modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A pomegranate seedling substrate, characterized in that, It contains peat moss, vermiculite, perlite and mushroom residue, wherein the volume ratio of peat moss, vermiculite, perlite and mushroom residue is (2~4):(2~4):(1~3):(1~3).

2. The pomegranate seedling substrate according to claim 1, characterized in that, The volume ratio of peat moss, vermiculite, perlite, and mushroom residue is 3:3:2:

2.

3. The pomegranate seedling substrate according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mushroom residue is fully decomposed, pathogen-free, and has a particle size ≤ 5 mm, which is edible mushroom cultivation waste; the peat moss is horticultural grade peat moss with a pH of 5.0~6.5 and an organic matter content ≥60%; the vermiculite and perlite are horticultural grade inorganic matrix materials with a particle size of 2~4 mm.

4. The application of the pomegranate seedling substrate as described in any one of claims 1-3 in the cultivation of pomegranate seedlings.

5. The application of pomegranate seedling substrate as described in any one of claims 1-3 in the breeding of new pomegranate varieties.

6. A method for raising pomegranate seeds, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: (1) Soak pomegranate seeds in a 500-1000 mg / L gibberellin solution for 10-14 hours; (2) Sow the treated seeds in the pomegranate seedling substrate as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, and cover them with soil to a thickness of 0.5 to 1.0 cm; (3) Germination culture is carried out under constant temperature of 22~28℃, in darkness or low light conditions, and the substrate is kept moist; (4) After emergence, switch to regular light management and maintain the substrate moisture content at 60-80% of field capacity.

Images