Breeding seedlings should pay attention to several technical aspects
September 03 12:11:59, 2025
To effectively understand the distinct biological characteristics of seedlings, it's essential to combine practical application with their specific traits. Through methods such as seedling testing, clone comparative forest trials, and regional adaptation tests, we can better determine which species are suitable for introduction. For example, in ecological engineering projects, the *Populus × euramericana* 'Norton 107' is widely used due to its strong drought and cold resistance, surviving even in areas where temperatures drop as low as -30°C. Another example is *Malus argentea*, a nationally protected species that thrives in acidic soil, has a long lifespan, and exhibits resistance to sulfur dioxide, making it ideal for urban greening, industrial areas, and mining sites. Therefore, breeding according to the specific characteristics of each seedling variety is crucial for improving survival rates and gaining a competitive edge in the market.
Choosing the right nursery site is also vital. The land should be convenient, with fertile, loose soil and a pH between 7.0 and 8.0, along with at least 3% organic matter content. However, this step is often overlooked. Common issues include selecting unsuitable locations that fail to meet the water, heat, nutrient, and gas requirements of seedlings, leading to stunted growth or weak emergence. Even with increased fertilization, desired results may not be achieved. Additionally, neglecting soil improvement and fertilization can lead to soil degradation, reduced nutrients, and compaction—especially when large-scale seedling cultivation is involved. This can hinder root development and increase the risk of root nematode infestations.
Rational fertilization is another key factor. Fertilizer application should be based on soil properties to promote healthy root development. A balanced use of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and organic fertilizer not only saves time and labor but also improves efficiency, reduces nitrogen leaching, and increases organic matter content. Typically, basal fertilizer should make up 60% of the total, while top dressing during the seedling stage should account for 40%. When applying top dressing, the principle of “fertilize where there is need, avoid where there isn't†should be followed.
When using seeds or cuttings for sexual reproduction, it's important to prepare them properly before sowing. Seeds collected from mother trees often contain impurities and should be sieved and rinsed. Disinfection using chemicals or lime water is also necessary. Germination should then be carried out in a greenhouse. For vegetative propagation, cuttings should be stored after cutting. They should be sorted by size and stored in a trench, with the root end facing upward. The storage depth is usually between 50 cm and 70 cm, and the duration depends on the seedling type, aiming to encourage adventitious root formation, callus recovery, and controlled germination.
Timely irrigation is equally important. It means watering at the right time and avoiding the "small water pouring" method. There are five critical times for irrigation: first, watering before sowing to ensure moist soil; second, watering after transplanting to maintain moisture and warmth; third, watering after top-dressing to prevent fertilizer burn and help absorption; fourth, watering after the seedling head develops to improve stem diameter and delay leaf fall; and fifth, watering after dormancy to protect roots and prevent frost damage. Proper irrigation ensures healthy growth and long-term survival of seedlings.