Method for producing decorative pine

Abstract

To provide a novel method for producing decorative pine by which uniform decorative pine can be efficiently produced with reduced loss of seedlings.SOLUTION: A method for producing decorative pine comprising a grafting step of grafting a scion 10 onto a rootstock 20 to produce a seedling 40, wherein a slit or a V-shaped cut 21 is formed in a top portion of the rootstock 20, a cut end 11 of the scion 10 is processed into a V shape, the V-shaped cut end 11 of the scion is inserted and joined into the cut 21 of the rootstock 20 from obliquely above, and the joined portion is pressure-bonded by being clamped from both sides using a pressure-bonding holding member 30, whereby tissues at the grafted cut end 11 are established with a high probability and grow smoothly, thereby enabling reduction of seedling loss and efficient production of uniform decorative pine.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for producing decorative pine trees for use as New Year's decorations or flower materials for flower arrangements. [Background technology]

[0002] Natural varieties of decorative pine trees, such as black pine, red pine, Japanese white pine, and Daiomatsu, are used for ornamental purposes such as New Year's kadomatsu (gate pine), flower arrangements, offerings for Shinto ceremonies, and decorations for celebrations. These trees are further distinguished in the trade by being called 'jumatsu' (longevity pine), 'janomematsu' (snake-eye pine), 'wakamatsu' (young pine), 'karagematsu' (karage pine), 'nehikimatsu' (nehiki pine), etc., depending on their variety and shape.

[0003] That is, the variety of black pine used for flower arrangements is called "jumatsu," the variety of red pine used for bonsai is called "janomematsu," the long, slender, straight-up pine used for kadomatsu (New Year's decorations) is called "wakamatsu," the small, long, slender pine used for New Year's Buddhist flowers, New Year arrangements, and offerings at Shinto ceremonies is called "karagematsu," and those shipped with the roots still attached are called "nehikimatsu."

[0004] These ornamental pines are generally produced by grafting, since it is difficult to produce identical ones due to the variations in size and shape if the seeds are sown directly in the field and grown as is. For example, in the case of the Kotobukimatsu (longevity pines), as shown in Patent Documents 1 and 2 below, a rootstock made of Kuromatsu is used, and a scion cut from an existing Kotobukimatsu is grafted onto this rootstock, making it possible to mass-produce Kotobukimatsu with densely packed, uniform leaves that sprout from one spot. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Registered Utility Model No. 3016345 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 55-099133 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, when producing decorative pine trees using this grafting method, even with meticulous attention paid to temperature and humidity control, the success rate is at best around 80%, with over 10% resulting in failure due to the tissue at the cut end not taking root properly. For this reason, decorative pine growers typically graft thousands of trees, but end up wasting hundreds of seedlings. Furthermore, the success or failure of the grafting is not known until three to five months after the grafting, so the space and work required for the trees to grow during that time is also wasted.

[0007] Therefore, the present invention has been devised to solve these problems, and its purpose is to provide a new method for producing decorative pine trees that can reduce the loss of seedlings and efficiently produce uniform decorative pine trees. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To solve the above problems, the inventors conducted extensive trial and error and various experiments, and found that by improving the seedling grafting method and growing method, high-quality decorative pines can be produced efficiently. Specifically, by improving the seedling grafting method as follows, it was found that there was a high probability of over 93% that the tissue at the grafted end would take root and grow smoothly (yield rate of over 93%). It was also found that by growing pines with multiple branches as rootstocks, the rate of scion take root could be improved and seedling loss could be reduced.

[0009] The first invention is a method for producing decorative pine trees, comprising a seedling-raising step for growing a pine tree for use as a rootstock, a rootstock step for cutting the rootstock at a predetermined height to create a rootstock, a scion step for creating a scion from a pine log different from the pine tree grown in the seedling-raising step, a grafting step for grafting the scion onto the rootstock to create a seedling, and a growing step for growing the grafted seedling under a predetermined environment, in which the grafting step comprises making a slit or V-shaped notch at the top of the rootstock, processing the cut end of the scion into a V-shape, inserting the V-shaped cut end of the scion into the notch at the top of the rootstock from above at an angle to join the scion, and crimping the joined part with a crimping member. This production method ensures that the tissue at the grafted end will take root and grow smoothly, reducing seedling loss and efficiently producing uniform decorative pine trees.

[0010] The second invention is a method for producing decorative pine trees according to the first invention, characterized in that the rootstock and scion are joined in the grafting step by inserting the base of the scion into a notch in the rootstock from above at an angle of 10 to 30 degrees relative to the axis of the rootstock. This method positions the vascular bundles (phloem and xylem) of the rootstock and the vascular bundles of the scion so that they intersect, ensuring that they come into contact with each other. This ensures a high probability of the tissue at the cut end of the graft taking root.

[0011] The third invention is a method for producing decorative pine trees, similar to the first invention, characterized in that clothespins are used as the clamping and holding members. Using clothespins as the clamping and holding members in this way makes it possible to securely and easily hold the grafted part at a predetermined angle. Furthermore, since full-time farmers perform this grafting operation on thousands of trees, using general-purpose clothespins instead of tape or specialized clamping members can significantly reduce the cost and labor involved.

[0012] The fourth invention is a method for producing decorative pine trees according to any one of the first to third inventions, characterized in that in the seedling raising step, a pine tree with multiple branches is grown as a rootstock, in the rootstock step, the tips of each branch of the grown pine tree with multiple branches are cut to create rootstocks, and in the grafting step, the scions are grafted onto two or more of the multiple branches of the rootstock. According to this production method, by grafting the scions onto multiple branches, if the scions take root on any one branch, the rootstock-specific survival rate is improved even if the other branches do not, and seedling loss can be further reduced significantly.

[0013] The fifth invention is a method for producing decorative pine according to any one of the first to third inventions, characterized in that the rootstock is made of Kuromatsu (Japanese black pine) and the scion is made from logs of Kotobukimatsu (Japanese long-sleeved pine). This method allows for the efficient production of uniform decorative pine made from Kotobukimatsu (Japanese long-sleeved pine), which is in the highest demand in the market. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] In the decorative pine growing method of the present invention, the cut end of the scion is machined into a V-shape (convex), and then inserted diagonally from above into a V-shaped (concave) notch at the top of the rootstock to join the scion. The joined part is then clamped from both sides using a crimping and holding member, and temperature and humidity are appropriately controlled. This allows the tissue at the cut end of the graft to take root and grow smoothly, reducing seedling loss and efficiently producing uniform decorative pine. Furthermore, by using a rootstock with multiple branches, if the scion takes root on one branch, the rooting rate on the rootstock itself is improved even if the other branches do not, further significantly reducing seedling loss. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 is a process diagram showing one embodiment of a method for producing decorative pine trees according to the present invention. [Figure 2] (A) is a photograph showing a field where black pine seedlings are growing, and (B) is an enlarged view of a portion of the photograph. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the process of creating the rootstock 10. [Figure 4] This is a photograph showing the logs for the spikelets (Kotobukimatsu) 20. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the process of producing spikes 20. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the process of grafting a scion 20 onto a rootstock 10. [Figure 7] This is a view taken along the line AA in FIG. 6(C). [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a table showing the relationship between grafting angle and survival rate. [Figure 9] This is a photograph showing the inside of a greenhouse where seedlings have been transplanted. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a photograph showing seedlings transplanted into a greenhouse. [Figure 11] This is a photograph showing an example of a decorative pine tree to be shipped. [Figure 12] 10 is an explanatory diagram showing another process for producing the rootstock 10. FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a photograph showing a field in which black pine seedlings with multiple branches are growing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 shows one embodiment of the decorative pine production method of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the decorative pine production method of the present invention mainly consists of five steps: (1) seedling raising step, (2) rootstock preparation step, (3) scion preparation step, (4) grafting step, and (5) seedling growing step. Each step will be described in detail below.

[0017] (1) Seedling raising process First, black pine seedlings, which will serve as rootstocks, are grown. Specifically, as shown in Figure 2, black pine seeds are sown in soil (field) primarily composed of well-drained sand. They are then encouraged to germinate and grow in an environment with sufficient water and sunlight until they reach a height of over 70 cm. In the case of black pine, it usually takes about one year and nine months to two years for seedlings to reach a height of over 70 cm. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2(A), the field is divided into multiple rows to facilitate work and management, and a total of tens of thousands of seedlings are grown. Seedlings grown in this way generally grow straight up, with multiple needle-like leaves radiating in all directions from the base to the tip of the trunk, as shown in Figure 2(B).

[0018] (2) Rootstock creation process Next, once the black pine seedlings have grown to a height of over 70 cm, those suitable for use as rootstocks are selected from among them. Specifically, healthy individuals with trunks as straight as possible, many leaves, and well-established roots are selected. Then, as shown in Figure 3, the trunks of the selected seedlings are cut off approximately horizontally with scissors or a cutter, and the leaves that have grown in all directions are trimmed to a uniform length to create rootstocks 10 with a height of approximately 50 cm.

[0019] (3)Scaffolding process Next, spikes are prepared before, after, or at approximately the same time as the preparation of the rootstock 10. Specifically, leafy branches are cut and harvested from spikes made of, for example, Kotobukimatsu (Japanese pine) as shown in Figure 4, to a length of several centimeters. Then, as shown in Figures 5(A) and 5(B), excess leaves are plucked and removed from the cut ends. Then, as shown in Figure 5(B), the cut ends are machined with a cutter or similar tool to create a V-shape (convex shape) on both sides, creating spikes 20 as shown in Figure 5(C). When cutting the V-shape, it is desirable to align the cut ends at approximately 45° to the left and right of the axis, as shown in Figure 5(B). If this angle is too acute or too obtuse, the rooting rate decreases.

[0020] (4) Grafting process Once the rootstock 10 and the spike 20 are prepared in this manner, the spike 20 is grafted onto the rootstock 10. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6(A), the approximately central portion of the cut end at the top of the rootstock 10 is cut away into a V-shaped (concave) notch 11 using a cutter or similar tool. Then, as shown in FIGS. 6(B) and 6(C), the V-shaped notch 21 of the spike 20 is firmly inserted into the notch 11. This results in the spike 20 being joined in a state where each side of the V-shaped notch 11 and each side of the V-shaped notch 21 are in surface contact with each other. Then, as shown in FIG. 6(C), the grafted portion is crimped by clamping it from both sides using a crimping and holding member 30, such as a general-purpose clothespin. The crimping and holding member 30 may be a general-purpose clothespin or a similarly structured spring clip or adhesive tape. The notch 11 of the rootstock 10 may also be slit-shaped.

[0021] When inserting the cut end 21 of the scion 20 into the notch 11 of the rootstock 10 and joining them in this manner, the cut end 21 of the scion 20, which has been processed into a V-shape, is inserted obliquely from above into the notch 11 of the rootstock 10 as shown in Figure 7. More specifically, the cut end 11 of the scion 20 is inserted obliquely from above into the notch 11 of the rootstock 10 so that the axis of the scion 20 forms an angle of 10 to 30° with respect to the axis of the rootstock 10 as shown in the figure.

[0022] By inserting the cut end 21 of the scion 20 obliquely into the cut 11 of the rootstock 10 from above and joining them in this way, the vascular bundles (phloem, xylem) exposed in the cut 11 on the rootstock 10 side and the vascular bundles exposed in the cut end 21 on the scion 20 side are positioned so that they intersect with each other, making them more likely to come into contact with each other and connect to each other. This allows for sufficient circulation of water and nutrients between the rootstock 10 and the scion 20, resulting in a high probability of the tissue at the cut end of the graft taking root. The reason why the joining angle between the rootstock 10 and the scion 20 is set to 10 to 30° is that, as will be described later, if the angle is less than 10°, the vascular bundles on the rootstock 10 side and the vascular bundles on the scion 20 side will be misaligned and will not be able to come into contact with each other and will not be able to connect. On the other hand, if the angle exceeds 30°, not only will the survival rate not increase, but even if the scion 20 does survive, it will grow sideways, making it difficult to obtain a straight, high-quality decorative pine.

[0023] FIG. 8 shows the results of an experiment on the relationship between the joining angle (grafting angle) between the rootstock 10 and the scion 20 and the subsequent root-taking rate. The root-taking rate was examined for cases where the grafting angle was less than 10° (Case 1), between 10 and 30° (Case 2), and over 30° (Case 3). The number of samples was 300 for each case. As can be seen from the figure, in Case 1 where the grafting angle was less than 10°, 69 samples withered without taking root, resulting in a root-taking rate of 77%. Meanwhile, in Case 3 where the grafting angle was greater than 30°, the root-taking rate was only 85%, although this was slightly better than Case 1. In contrast, in Case 2 according to the present invention, only 21 samples failed to take root, demonstrating an excellent root-taking rate (93%).

[0024] (5) Seedling growth process The grafted seedlings 40 are then grown in a facility equipped with irrigation equipment until they reach a predetermined size. Specifically, as shown in Figure 9, the temperature in the greenhouse equipped with irrigation equipment is controlled so that it does not exceed 35°C, and the humidity is controlled so that it does not fall below 50%. For ease of management within the greenhouse, it is preferable to transplant the seedlings in multiple rows as shown in the figure. Note that the flower-like parts in the figure are clothespins 30 used for grafting.

[0025] If the temperature inside the greenhouse exceeds 35°C, growth will cease or the plants will wither due to the effects of the heat. Therefore, the temperature inside the greenhouse must be carefully controlled to stay below 35°C. While the lower temperature does not have a significant impact, care must be taken to avoid frost, i.e., temperatures below zero°C. Watering is also managed so that the soil surface is slightly dry and does not become short of water. To prevent the greenhouse from becoming too dry, misting is regularly performed to maintain humidity above 50%. Figure 10 shows an example of seedlings rooted in the soil inside the greenhouse after transplantation. Each seedling 40 is held in place by a clothespin at the grafted portion and planted at intervals of approximately 10 cm.

[0026] Under these conditions, the trees grow for a certain period of time, but it takes about two years for them to reach a size that is suitable for shipping, such as a height of about 80-130 cm. Once they reach a size suitable for shipping, they are removed from the soil in the greenhouse, and the roots and excess branches and leaves are removed and trimmed. After that, they are shipped in groups of several to a dozen or so as decorative pines made from longevity pines to markets and consumers. Figure 11 shows an example of a decorative pine obtained in this way.

[0027] According to the production method of the present invention, the cut end 21 of the scion 20 is machined into a V-shape (convex), and this is then inserted from above at an angle into the notch 11 at the top of the rootstock 10, which has also been machined into a V-shape (concave), and the joined part is then crimped from both sides using the crimping and holding member 30, and temperature and humidity are appropriately controlled, so that the tissue at the cut end of the graft takes root with a higher probability than before, reducing the loss of seedlings 40 and enabling the efficient production of uniform decorative pines.

[0028] In this embodiment, we have used Kuromatsu (Japanese black pine) as the rootstock 10 and Kotobukimatsu (Japanese long-sleeved pine) as the spikes 20, but there are many other combinations and they can be changed as needed depending on the intended use. For example, Akamatsu (Japanese red pine), Goyomatsu (Japanese white pine), Daiomatsu (Japanese king pine), etc. can be used as the rootstock 10 in addition to Kuromatsu (Japanese black pine), and various varieties of pine such as Janomematsu (Japanese sedge pine), Suishomatsu (Japanese crystal pine), Daibana-kimatsu (large-flowered yellow pine), and Hakujumatsu (Japanese long-sleeved pine) can be used as spikes 20. Furthermore, if the grown pines are shipped with the roots attached, they can be collected as uprooted pines.

[0029] Next, Figures 12 and 13 show another embodiment of the method for producing decorative pine trees according to the present invention. In this embodiment, a black pine seedling with multiple branches, as shown in Figure 12, is grown and used as the rootstock 10. That is, after growing a black pine seedling with multiple branches, as shown in Figure 13, the tips of each of the black pine seedling's branches 10a, 10a, 10a, 10a (four in this embodiment) are cut off to create a rootstock 10 with multiple branches 10a. Then, scions 20 are grafted onto all or two or more branches 10a suitable for grafting of the rootstock 10, respectively.

[0030] By grafting multiple spikes 20 onto one rootstock 10 having multiple branches 10a in this way, if any one spike 20 takes root, the rootstock 10 will have an improved rooting rate even if the other branches 10a do not, so the rootstock 10 will not go to waste and seedling loss can be significantly reduced. This method is particularly optimal for combinations of rootstock 10 and spikes 20 with a low rooting rate, as the rooting rate can be expected to increase in proportion to the number of branches. Note that in the case of a seedling 40 with two or more spikes 20 taken root using this method, a good one can be selected from among them and the other branches can be cut off, or multiple spikes 20 can be grown as they are and shipped as a decorative pine tree with multiple branches. [Explanation of symbols]

[0031] 10...Rootstock 10a...branch 11...Notch 20...Scion 21...Cutting edge 30... Crimping holding member (clothespin) 40...Sapling

Claims

1. The method includes a seedling raising step of growing a pine tree for use as a rootstock, a rootstock step of cutting the grown pine tree for use as a rootstock at a predetermined height from its base to create a rootstock, a scion step of creating a scion from a pine tree log different from the pine tree used in the seedling raising step, a grafting step of grafting the scion onto the rootstock to create a seedling, and a seedling growing step of growing the grafted seedling under a predetermined environment. The grafting process is a method for producing decorative pine trees, characterized in that a slit or V-shaped notch is made in the cut end of the rootstock, the cut end of the scion is processed into a V-shape, the V-shaped cut end of the scion is inserted obliquely from above into the notch of the rootstock to join them, and the joined part is crimped by clamping it from both sides using a crimping and holding member.

2. 2. The method for producing decorative pine according to claim 1, The method for producing decorative pine is characterized in that the rootstock and scion are joined in the grafting step by inserting the base of the scion into a notch in the rootstock from above at an angle of 10 to 30 degrees to the axis of the rootstock.

3. 2. The method for producing decorative pine according to claim 1, A method for producing decorative pine trees, characterized in that clothespins are used as the pressure-bonding and holding members.

4. In the method for producing decorative pine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, In the seedling raising step, a pine tree having a plurality of branches is grown as a rootstock, This method for producing decorative pine trees is characterized in that in the rootstock process, the tips of each branch of a pine tree for use as a rootstock having a plurality of branches are cut off to create the rootstock, and in the grafting process, the scion is grafted onto each of two or more of the plurality of branches of the rootstock.

5. In the method for producing decorative pine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, This method for producing decorative pine is characterized in that Kuromatsu (Japanese black pine) is used as the rootstock pine and that the scions are harvested from logs of Kotobukimatsu (Japanese long-sleeved pine).

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