Ginkgo biloba, commonly known as the ginkgo tree, is often propagated using several methods such as sowing, cuttings, root division, and grafting. Among these, hardwood cutting is a widely used technique that offers multiple advantages. It not only helps conserve seeds and reduce the cost of seedling production but also accelerates the breeding process while preserving the desirable traits of the parent plant.
Hardwood cutting involves using mature, partially lignified branches that are at least one year old. This method is generally easier to manage compared to softwood cuttings, making it a popular choice for nursery operations. To successfully grow ginkgo hardwood cuttings, several key steps must be carefully followed:
First, preparing the right growing medium is essential. Common substrates include river sand, sandy loam soil, and sandy soil. While sandy soils and sandy roots have lower rooting rates and are typically used for large-scale spring cuttings, river sand is preferred for its high rooting potential and easy availability.
Second, setting up the planting bed is crucial. The beds should be 10–20 meters long and 1–1.2 meters wide, with a 20 cm layer of fine river sand on top. Before use, the sand should be disinfected with a 0.3% potassium permanganate solution (5–10 kg per square meter) or alternated with 0.3% formaldehyde. After application, cover the bed with plastic film for two days, then rinse it thoroughly with water two or three times.
Third, selecting the right cuttings is important. After leaves fall in late autumn or winter, or during spring pruning, healthy branches free from pests and diseases should be chosen. Young shoots from trees under 20 years old, especially those aged 1–3 years, are ideal. Studies show that 1-year-old shoots have the highest rooting rate, reaching up to 93%, while older branches tend to root less effectively.
Fourth, processing the cuttings properly increases success. Cut the branches into 15–20 cm sections, ensuring each has at least three buds. Make a straight cut at the top and an angled cut at the bottom, being careful not to reverse the bud orientation. Bundle 50 cuttings together, dip the lower ends in a 100 ppm naphthalene acetic acid solution for one hour, and immerse them 5–7 cm deep. For winter storage, bundle and keep them in a cool place.
Fifth, inserting the cuttings into the prepared beds is the next step. Spring is the best time for this, usually in mid- to late March. In greenhouses, the timing can be advanced slightly. Insert the cuttings so that 1–2 buds remain above the sand, space them 10–30 cm apart, and water them immediately after planting to ensure good contact with the substrate. Maintain humidity between 85% and 90%.
Finally, proper management is critical for successful growth. Shade can be provided using black shade nets or greenhouses to maintain a cool, moist environment. Watering should be done regularly, especially on sunny days, with reduced frequency as the season progresses. Once rooted, apply foliar fertilizer monthly with a solution of 0.1% urea and 0.2% potassium dihydrogen phosphate. Transplant the seedlings after they harden off, either in the open field or greenhouse. Pest and disease control is also important—use insecticides like 40% methyl parathion or carbofuran to manage underground and leaf-eating pests, and apply fungicides like ferrous sulfate, carbendazim, or Bordeaux mixture to prevent stalk rot.
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