Ginkgo trees are commonly propagated by cuttings, which compared to seed propagation, not only saves seeds and reduces seedling costs, but also accelerates seedling propagation and maintains the excellent characteristics of the variety. So, what are the specific operational points? Let's find out together.
Propagating Ginkgo Trees by Cuttings
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Timing of Cuttings: It is recommended to take cuttings for ginkgo trees in spring (March-April) or autumn (September-October). At this time, the temperature is suitable, not too high or too low, resulting in the highest survival rate for ginkgo cuttings.
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Selection of Cuttings: Choose branches with terminal buds for cuttings, generally cut them into sections with 3-5 nodes, with a length between 10-15 centimeters. Additionally, since ginkgo cuttings root slowly, you can dip the rooting section of the cutting in rooting powder to increase the survival rate.
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Preparation of Bedding: Prepare a bedding with sandy loam soil, then lay a thick layer of fine river sand on top. Arrange the bedding to be 10-20 meters long and 1-1.2 meters wide. About a week before planting, disinfect the bedding with a 0.3% potassium permanganate solution.
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Cutting Operation: Directly insert the prepared cuttings into the bedding soil, ensuring the soil remains moist. Compact the soil around the cutting, water it thoroughly, ensuring the soil and cutting are tightly bound together for optimal contact.
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Transplanting at the Right Time: Ginkgo cuttings taken in spring can be transplanted into 7.5-centimeter diameter pots once they have established roots. Cuttings taken in autumn can be transplanted in the following spring before new leaf growth.
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Care Points:
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Light: Avoid direct sunlight on ginkgo cuttings after planting. Use black shading nets or artificial shading to prevent direct exposure to sunlight.
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Watering: Besides watering immediately after planting, continue to spray water in the morning and evening on sunny days. Reduce the frequency and amount of watering gradually after one month.
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Fertilization: Combine watering with 0.1% urea or 0.2% potassium dihydrogen phosphate solution for root fertilization or foliar spraying every 15-20 days.
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Pest and Disease Control: Main pests and diseases to watch out for include underground pests, leaf-eating pests, stem rot, etc. Spray pesticides timely if symptoms appear.
In summary, although ginkgo trees are tall deciduous trees, propagating them by cuttings is not difficult, and the survival rate is relatively high. However, it is essential to master the correct cutting methods and post-cutting care and management.
