NL2028853B1

NL2028853B1 - Method for rapidly cultivating miniature potted camellia l.

Info

Publication number: NL2028853B1
Application number: NL2028853A
Authority: NL
Inventors: Cai Yanfei; Wang Jihua; Shi Ziming; Li Shufa; Zhao Peifei; Zhang Hao; Li Shenchong
Original assignee: Flower Res Institute Yunnan Academy Of Agricultural Sciences
Priority date: 2021-05-18
Filing date: 2021-07-27
Publication date: 2022-12-02
Also published as: CN113261490B; CN113261490A

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a method for rapidly cultivating miniature potted camellia, and relates to the technical ﬁeld of horticulture. The method of the present 5 disclosure includes the following steps: directly planting camellia cuttings in pots in December, without transplantation after rooting, topping to promote germination of lateral branches at seedling stage; and conducting chemical regulation with paclobutrazol at ﬂoral induction stage. The method for rapidly cultivating miniature potted camellia of the present disclosure enables a one-step cultivation of ornamental lO potted camellia from cuttings, with high ﬂower bud differentiation rate, which may shorten the production cycle of potted camellia to 12 to 13 months.

Description

METHOD FOR RAPIDLY CULTIVATING MINIATURE POTTED CAMELLIA L. TECHNICAL FIELD

[01] The present disclosure belongs to the technical field of horticulture, and in particular relates to a method for rapidly cultivating miniature potted Camellia L.

BACKGROUND ART

[02] Camellia L. is a world-famous precious ornamental flower and is also a famous traditional flower in China. It has gorgeous and polychrome colors, delicate flowers, and dense green leaves, and does not wither in winter, which is welcomed by people from various countries and has a long history of cultivation and breeding at home and abroad. China has abundant camellia resources, and shows huge development potential in the camellia industry. However, compared with traditional Chinese famous flowers such as peony and chrysanthemum, camellia has a very small market share at present. Due to slow growth, long production cycle (4 to 5 years or even longer), backward planting technology, single product type (medium and large potted flowers), lack of large-scale and standardized production technology, etc., the price for camellia has been high (hundreds to thousands of yuan). It is difficult to enter the mass consumer market, which greatly restricts the development of the camellia industry. In recent years, with the rapid development of home gardening and electric business, the demand for light-weight and miniaturized potted camellia. convenient for transportation has increased sharply, which brings huge opportunities to the camellia. industry. However, the slow growth and long Juvenile period (4 to 5 years or even longer) of camellia pose a huge challenge to the research and development of light-weight and miniaturized potted camellia.

[03] Therefore, shortening the juvenile period and production cycle of camellia has become a core and key problem to be solved urgently in the production of miniature potted camellia. The development of miniature camellia products is of great significance for enriching the camellia product types, meeting the demand of the market on light- weight and miniaturized potted camellia, effectively increasing the market share of camellia, and promoting the development of the camellia industry. CN 105594573 A discloses a method for shortening the juvenile period of commercial potted camellia, but the potted camellia still requires a production cycle of about 18 months, and seedlings need to be cultivated first and then transplanted into pots, which cannot directly achieve the rapid cultivation of light-weight and miniaturized potted camellia.

SUMMARY

[04] In view of above aspects, the present disclosure is intended to provide a method for rapidly cultivating miniature potted camellia, and the method enables a one-step cultivation of ornamental potted camellia from cuttings, with high flower bud differentiation rate, which can shorten the production cycle of potted camellia to 12 to 13 months.

[05] In order to realize the objective of the present disclosure, the present disclosure provides the following technical solutions.

[06] The present disclosure provides a method for rapidly cultivating miniature potted camellia, including: directly planting cuttings in flower pots in December, without transplantation after rooting; topping to promote germination of lateral branches at seedling stage; and conducting chemical regulation with paclobutrazol at floral induction stage.

[07] Preferably, the cuttings may be semi-lignified branches of the current year that each have 1 apical bud, 2 to 4 lateral buds, and 2 to 4 intact leaves.

[08] Preferably, a medium used for the cuttings may be a mixture of peat and perlite in a volume ratio of (4-5):1, with a pH of 4.5 to 5.0.

[09] Preferably, a growth environment may be regulated for the cutting as follows: light: 30,000 to 40,000 lux, medium temperature: 23 to 26°C, air temperature: 22 to 28°C, and relative air humidity: higher than 90%.

[10] Preferably, the camellia cuttings may be uniformly planted into the pots in a manner such that leaf surfaces face towards a hand palm, leaf apexes of each cutting face towards the outside of the pot, and leaves of two adjacent cuttings do not contact.

[11] Preferably, the topping may include removing apical buds of seedlings after planting 70 to 80 d.

[12] Preferably, a growth environment may be regulated for the promoting germination of lateral branches as follows: light: 40,000 to 60,000 lux, air temperature: 22 to 32°C, and relative air humidity: 70% to 85%.

[13] Preferably, at the floral induction stage, the paclobutrazol may be sprayed once every 7 to 10 d at 600 to 800 mg/L, with 4 times continuously.

[14] Preferably, the method may further include: at a bud stage of the potted camellia, removing excess flower buds to retain 2 to 3 flower buds on each branch until the miniature potted is obtained.

[15] More preferably, from the seedling stage to the bud stage, a 0.1% to 0.15% fully water-soluble NPK fertilizer may be watered on roots and sprayed on leaves every 7 d to 10 d, and the percentage may refer to a mass fraction.

[16] Compared with the prior art, the embodiments may have the following beneficial effects:

[17] The present disclosure provides a method for rapidly cultivating miniature potted camellia, including: directly planting cuttings in pots in December, without transplantation after rooting; topping to promote germination of lateral branches at seedling stage; and conducting chemical regulation with paclobutrazol at floral induction stage.

[18] In the present disclosure, the cutting was conducted in December to avoid a dormancy period of 4 to 5 months occurring after rooting when the camellia cutting was conducted from June to July in the prior art. The cuttings may enter the growth stage immediately after rooting, which shortens the production cycle. Moreover, cuttings were directly planted into pots such that seedlings may be obtained in one step after rooting, which omits the transplantation process in the prior art.

[19] Inthe present disclosure, topping and accurate environmental control (including light, temperature, and humidity) were conducted at the seedling stage to promote the branch germination, thus promoting the formation of potted camellia.

[20] In the present disclosure, after the seedlings enter the floral induction stage, chemical regulation is conducted with paclobutrazol to induce flower bud differentiation, thus further promoting the formation of potted camellia.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[21] FIG. 1 shows a growth and development process in the rapid cultivation of miniature potted camellia;

[22] FIG. 2 shows the effect of paclobutrazol concentration on the flower bud differentiation rate of camellia; and

[23] FIG. 3 shows the effect of paclobutrazol spraying time on the number of flower bud.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[24] The present disclosure provides a method for rapidly cultivating miniature potted camellia, including: directly planting camellia cuttings in pots in December, without transplantation after rooting; topping to promote germination of lateral branches at seedling stage; and conducting chemical regulation with paclobutrazol at floral induction stage.

[25] Traditionally, the cutting of camellia is conducted from mid-June to July, and the growth and development process of cutting are as follows: cuttings are planted from June to July, rooting is completed after about 3 months (October), the cuttings undergo a dormancy period of 4 to 5 months, and new branches are germinated from March to April of the next year (it takes 9 to 10 months from cutting to branch germination). In the present disclosure, the cutting 1s conducted in December, such that the root growth is completed in March of the next year and cuttings can enter the growth stage immediately after rooting, which avoids the intermediate dormancy period and significantly shortens the production cycle.

[26] As to cuttings, young branches are more prone to rooting than old branches, and semi-lignified young branches are more prone to rooting than fully-lignified old branches. In the present disclosure, semi-lignified branches of the current year that each have 1 apical bud, 2 to 4 lateral buds, and 2 to 4 intact leaves may preferably be adopted as cuttings. On the basis of increasing the rooting rate and survival rate of cuttings, it can also shorten the rooting time and ensure the number of germinated side branches after rooting, such that formed potted camellia may have plump appearance and high ornamental value. More preferably, semi-lignified branches of the current year that each have 1 apical bud, 3 lateral buds, and 3 intact leaves and are robust and free from diseases and pests may be adopted as cuttings.

[27] As a possible embodiment, the cuttings of the present disclosure are cut to flat upper and lower ends, and the cuttings are stored in a plastic bag lined with wet newspaper to hold moisture of the cuttings. Before planting, the cuttings are soaked in a 1,000 to 1,200 mg/L iprodione solution for 10 to 20 s and then in a 0.5% indolebutyric acid (IBA) for 10 to 20 s. After the planting, the cuttings are sprayed with clean water to keep cutting leaves moist, and then covered with a plastic film for moisturization.

[28] The medium composition will affect the physical and chemical properties of the entire cultivation medium, thereby affecting the rooting and subsequent growth of camellia. For example, river sand has excellent air permeability but poor water retention; and coconut chaff has a high salt content and is not conducive to the growth of camellia. In the present disclosure, a light-weight soiless medium, preferably a mixture medium 5 of peat soil and perlite in a volume ratio of (4-5):1, with a pH of 4.5 to 5.0, and more preferably a mixture of peat soil and perlite in a volume ratio of 4:1 may be adopted for the cutting. The medium used for cutting needs to have prominent air permeability and water retention. In the present disclosure, the medium may have a particle size preferably of 10 to 30 mm and more preferably of 20 mm, which is beneficial to the rooting and survival of the cuttings.

[29] As a possible embodiment of the present disclosure, a prepared medium is sterilized with an iprodione spray with a concentration preferably of 1,000 to 1,200 mg/L.

[30] A rooting process of cuttings is affected by a variety of environmental factors, including temperature, humidity, and light, which are the main exogenous factors affecting the rooting of cuttings. Unsuitable conditions will limit the rooting of the cuttings. In the present disclosure, a growth environment may be regulated for the planting as follows: preferably, light: 30,000 to 40,000 lux, medium temperature: 23 to 26°C, air temperature: 22 to 28°C, and relative air humidity: higher than 90%; and more preferably, light: 35,000 lux, medium temperature: 25°C, air temperature: 25°C, and relative air humidity: 95%.

[31] In the present disclosure, the rooting time is shortened through the selection of cuttings and medium and the regulation of cutting environment. Generally, the rooting of cuttings begins 50 to 60 d after planting, and in March of the next year, a root system is formed at the base of cuttings, and rooting and seedling cultivation stages are completed.

[32] In the present disclosure, the production cycle of potted camellia from cuttings is shortened by regulating the planting time. Moreover, in the present disclosure, Camellia L. the cuttings are directly planted in pots and are not transplanted after rooting, such that seedlings may be obtained in one step and miniature potted camellia may be obtained by one-time cutting. In the present disclosure, preferably, the cuttings may be uniformly planted into the pots in such a manner that leaf surfaces face towards a hand palm, leaf apexes of each cutting face towards the outside of pot, and leaves of two adjacent cuttings do not contact, which ensures the growth of the cuttings and a prominent plant shape after new branches are sprouted. As a possible embodiment of the present disclosure, with leaf surfaces of cuttings facing towards a hand palm, the cuttings are planted in 150-type pots (mouth: 14.6 cm, height: 12.5 cm, and bottom: 10.5 cm) vertically at a distance of 2 to 3 cm from an edge of a pot; 3 cuttings are planted in each pot (which is determined according to a diameter of a pot), and each cutting has 3 lateral buds; the cuttings in each pot are uniformly distributed and form a triangle; leaf apexes of each cutting face towards the outside of a pot, and leaves of two adjacent cuttings do not contact; and after potted camellia are formed, 9 branches of 3 plants in each pot are evenly distributed and grow vigorously, which has high ornamental value and can be directly sold on the market.

[33] After the cuttings enter the seedling stage, topping needs to be conducted to promote germination. In the present disclosure, topping may preferably be conducted 70 to 80 d after planting, that is, apical buds of seedlings are removed to stimulate the formation of lateral branches. 10 to 20 d after the topping, new branches can be germinated from the young seedlings. After new branches are germinated, the environmental conditions are changed to conditions suitable for promoting the growth of lateral branches. In the present disclosure, a growth environment may be regulated as follows: preferably, light: 40,000 to 60,000 lux, air temperature: 22 to 32°C, and relative air humidity: 70 to 85%; and more preferably, light: 50,000 lux, air temperature: 27°C, and relative air humidity: 80%. With the germination-promoting conditions of the present disclosure, after 30 to 35 d of growth, the branches are gradually lignified and stop growing, at which time the plants have a height of 20 to 30 cm.

[34] After branches of the seedlings are gradually lignified and stop growing, the seedlings enter the floral induction stage, and chemical regulation is conducted to induce the differentiation of flower buds. In the present disclosure, the chemical regulation is conducted with paclobutrazol; preferably, paclobutrazol may have a concentration of 600 to 800 mg/L, and may be sprayed once every 7 to 10 d, with 4 times continuously, which can lead to an induction rate of 65% to 85% for camellia flower buds; and more preferably, paclobutrazol may have a concentration of 800 mg/L and may be sprayed once every 7 d. Furthermore, after camellia enters the floral induction stage, a growth environment may be regulated as follows: preferably, light: 60,000 to 70,000 lux, air temperature: 25 to 32°C, and relative air humidity: 70% to 85%; and more preferably,

light: 65,000 lux, air temperature: 28°C, and relative air humidity: 80%.

[35] After the flower bud differentiation is completed, management is conducted for 60 to 80 d, and then the flower buds can be observed by eyes at the branch top and leaf axil, indicating that the seedlings enter the bud stage. In the present disclosure, after the potted camellia enters the bud stage, excess flower buds may preferably be removed to retain 2 to 3 flower buds on each branch until the miniature potted camellia is obtained. Furthermore, after camellia enters the bud stage, a growth environment may be regulated as follows: preferably, light: 50,000 to 60,000 lux, air temperature: 22 to 32°C, and relative air humidity: 70% to 85%; and more preferably, light: 55,000 lux, air temperature: 27°C, and relative air humidity: 80%.

[36] As an alternative embodiment, when the cutting of camellia and potted camellia production are conducted in a greenhouse, the greenhouse can be divided into a cutting rooting zone, a germination promotion zone, a floral induction zone, and a bud stage maintenance zone, and an environment of each growth and development zone is regulated according to corresponding growth environment conditions for each of above- mentioned planting, germination promotion, chemical regulation, and bud stage. With the growth and development of camellia, it can be directly transferred to a corresponding zone.

[37] Inthe present disclosure, preferably, nutrients may be applied to seedlings from the topping to the bud stage to ensure the growth and development of the seedlings; and more preferably, a 0.1% to 0.15% fully water-soluble NPK fertilizer may be watered on roots and sprayed on leaves every 7 to 10 d. According to the nutrient requirements at different stages, it is necessary to adjust the composition of the fully water-soluble NPK fertilizer. As a possible implementation of the present disclosure, during the germination promotion by topping, a 0.1% to 0.15% fully water-soluble NPK fertilizer is watered on roots and sprayed on leaves every 7 d (the fully water-soluble fertilizer has an N content of 20%, a P20s content of 10%, and a K2O content of 10%), and sufficient water supply is provided to promote the germination of branches; during the chemical regulation at the floral induction stage, a 0.1% to 0.15% fully water-soluble NPK fertilizer is watered on roots and sprayed on leaves every 7 d (the fully water-soluble fertilizer has an N content of 10%, a P20s content of 30%, and a K2O content of 20%), and water supply is appropriately reduced to promote the differentiation of flower buds; and at the bud stage, a 0.1% to 0.15% fully water-soluble NPK fertilizer is watered on roots and sprayed on leaves every 10 d (the fully water-soluble fertilizer has an N content of 15%, a P20s content of 15%, and a K,O content of 15%), and sufficient water supply is provided to promote the growth and maturation of potted camellia; where the percentages all refer to mass fractions. The fully water-soluble fertilizer is sprayed at a specified amount such that the fully water-soluble fertilizer may be retained on leaves of the seedlings in the form of drops and does not flow down.

[38] In the present disclosure, preferably, the miniature potted camellia may be released from the nursery and sold on the market when 3 to 5 buds start to bloom.

[39] The technical solutions provided by the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to examples, but the examples should not be construed as limiting the claimed scope of the present disclosure.

[40] Example 1

[41] A method for rapidly cultivating miniature potted camellia was provided, including the following steps:

[42] (1) Cutting in pots to form seedlings at one time

[43] A. Selection and filling of cultivation medium

[44] Peat and perlite with a particle size of 20 mm were mixed in a volume ratio of 4:1 to provide a lightweight soilless cultivation medium, and the pH of the medium was adjusted to 4.8. The medium was fully watered by spraying and tidal irrigation, and then sterilized with a 1,000 mg/L iprodione spray for later use.

[45] B. Planting

[46] In December, semi-lignified branches of the current year that were healthy and free from pests and diseases were selected, and then cut into cuttings each with 1 apical bud, 3 lateral buds, 3 intact leaves, and flat upper and lower ends. Obtained cuttings were stored in a plastic bag lined with wet newspaper to keep the cuttings moist. Before planting, the cuttings were soaked in a 1,000 mg/L iprodione solution for 15 s and then in a 0.5% IBA solution for 15 s.

[47] The cuttings were vertically planted at a distance of 2 cm from an edge of a pot with leaf surfaces facing towards a hand palm; 3 cuttings were uniformly planted in each pot, which formed a triangle; and leaf apexes of each cutting faced towards the outside of a flower pot, and leaves of two adjacent cuttings did not contact. After the planting, the cuttings were sprayed with clean water to keep cutting leaves moist, and then covered with a plastic film for moisturization. The following environment was provided for the planting: light: 35,000 lux, medium temperature: 25°C, air temperature: 25°C, and relative air humidity: 95%.

[48] (2) Topping at seedling stage

[49] Apical buds were removed 70 to 80 d after the planting. The following environment was provided to promote germination: light: 50,000 lux, air temperature: 27°C, and relative air humidity: 80%. During this period, a 0.13% fully water-soluble fertilizer was watered on roots and sprayed on leaves every 7 d (the fully water-soluble fertilizer had an N content of 20%, a P2Os content of 10%, and a K:O content of 10%), and sufficient water supply was provided.

[50] (3) Chemical regulation at floral induction stage

[51] After branches were gradually lignified and stopped growing, an 800 mg/L paclobutrazol solution was sprayed once every week, and the spraying was stopped after 4 consecutive sprays. During this period, the following environment was provided: light: 65,000 lux, air temperature: 28°C, and relative air humidity: 80%; and a 0.13% fully water-soluble fertilizer was watered on roots and sprayed on leaves every 7 d (the fully water-soluble fertilizer had an N content of 10%, a P2Os content of 30%, and a K:0 content of 20%), and water supply was appropriately reduced.

[52] (4) Maintenance at bud stage

[53] When flower buds were observed by eyes at the branch top and leaf axil, excess flower buds were removed to retain 2 to 3 flower buds of the same size on each branch. During this period, the following environment was provided: light: 55,000 lux, air temperature: 27°C, and relative air humidity: 80%; and a 0.13% fully water-soluble fertilizer was watered on roots and sprayed on leaves every 10 d (the fully water-soluble fertilizer had an N content of 15%, a P2Os content of 15%, and a K2O content of 15%), and sufficient water supply was provided.

[54] (5) Miniature potted camellia product

[55] The miniature potted camellia could be released from a nursery and sold on the market when 3 to 5 buds started to bloom. It took 12 to 13 months from planting to release from nursery.

[56] Example2

[57] A method for rapidly cultivating miniature potted camellia was provided, including the following steps:

[58] (1) Cutting in pots to form seedlings at one time

[S9] A. Selection and filling of cultivation medium

[60] Peat and perlite with a particle size of 10 mm were mixed in a volume ratio of 5:1 to provide a lightweight soilless cultivation medium, and the pH of the medium was adjusted to 4.5. The medium was fully watered by spraying and tidal irrigation, and then sterilized with a 1,100 mg/L iprodione spray for later use.

[61] B. Planting

[62] In December, semi-lignified branches of the current year that were healthy and free from pests and diseases were selected, and then cut into cuttings each with 1 apical bud, 2 lateral buds, 2 intact leaves, and flat upper and lower ends. Obtained cuttings were stored in a plastic bag lined with wet newspaper to keep the cuttings moist. Before planting, the cuttings were soaked in a 1,100 mg/L iprodione solution for 20 s and then in a 0.5% IBA solution for 20 s.

[63] The cuttings were vertically planted at a distance of 2 cm from an edge of a pot with leaf surfaces facing towards a hand palm; 4 cuttings were uniformly planted in each pot, which formed a square; and leaf apexes of each cutting faced towards the outside of a pot, and leaves of two adjacent cuttings did not contact. After the planting, the cuttings were sprayed with clean water to keep cutting leaves moist, and then covered with a plastic film for moisturization. The environment for the planting was provided: light: 30,000 lux, medium temperature: 22°C, air temperature: 23°C, and relative air humidity: 90%.

[64] (2) Topping at seedling stage

[65] Apical buds were removed 70 to 80 d after the planting. The following environment was provided to promote germination: light: 40,000 lux, air temperature: 20°C, and relative air humidity: 70%. During this period, a 0.10% fully water-soluble fertilizer was watered on roots and sprayed on leaves every 7 d (the fully water-soluble fertilizer had an N content of 20%, a P,Os content of 10%, and a K;O content of 10%), and sufficient water supply was provided.

[66] (3) Chemical regulation at floral induction stage

[67] After branches were gradually lignified and stopped growing, a 600 mg/L paclobutrazol solution was sprayed once every week, and the spraying was stopped after 4 consecutive sprays. During this period, the following environment was provided: light: 60,000 lux, air temperature: 25°C, and relative air humidity: 70%; and a 0.10% fully water-soluble fertilizer was watered on roots and sprayed on leaves every 7 d (the fully water-soluble fertilizer had an N content of 10%, a P20O: content of 30%, and a KO content of 20%), and water supply was appropriately reduced.

[68] (4) Maintenance at bud stage

[69] When flower buds were observed by eyes at the branch top and leaf axil, excess flower buds were removed to retain 2 to 3 flower buds of the same size on each branch. During this period, the following environment was provided: light: 50,000 lux, air temperature: 22°C, and relative air humidity: 70%; and a 0.10% fully water-soluble fertilizer was watered on roots and sprayed on leaves every 10 d (the fully water-soluble fertilizer had an N content of 15%, a P>Os content of 15%, and a K;O content of 15%), and sufficient water supply was provided.

[70] (5) Miniature potted camellia product

[71] The miniature potted camellia could be released from a nursery and sold on the market when 3 to 5 buds started to bloom. It took 12 to 13 months from planting to release from nursery.

[72] Example 3

[73] A method for rapidly cultivating miniature potted camellia was provided, including the following steps:

[74] (1) Cutting in pots to form seedlings at one time

[75] A. Selection and filling of cultivation medium

[76] Peat and perlite with a particle size of 30 mm were mixed in a volume ratio of 5:1 to provide a lightweight soilless cultivation medium, and the pH of the medium was adjusted to 5.0. The medium was fully watered by spraying and tidal irrigation, and then sterilized with a 1,200 mg/L iprodione spray for later use.

[77] B. Planting

[78] In December, semi-lignified branches of the current year that were healthy and free from pests and diseases were selected, and then cut into cuttings each with 1 apical bud, 4 lateral buds, 4 intact leaves, and flat upper and lower ends. Obtained cuttings were stored in a plastic bag lined with wet newspaper to keep the cuttings moist. Before planting, the cuttings were soaked in a 1,200 mg/L iprodione solution for 10 s and then ina 0.5% IBA solution for 10 s.

[79] The cuttings were vertically planted at a distance of 3 cm from an edge of a pot with leaf surfaces facing towards a hand palm; 3 cuttings were uniformly planted in each pot, which formed a triangle; and leaf apexes of each cutting faced towards the outside of a pot, and leaves of two adjacent cuttings did not contact. After the planting, the cuttings were sprayed with clean water to keep cutting leaves moist, and then covered with a plastic film for moisturization. An environment for the planting was set as follows: light: 40,000 lux, medium temperature: 26°C, air temperature: 28°C, and relative air humidity: 97%.

[80] (2) Topping at seedling stage

[81] Apical buds were removed 70 to 80 d after the planting. The following environment was provided to promote germination: light: 60,000 lux, air temperature: 32°C, and relative air humidity: 85%. During this period, a 0.15% fully water-soluble fertilizer was watered on roots and sprayed on leaves every 7 d (the fully water-soluble fertilizer had an N content of 20%, a P2Os content of 10%, and a K»O content of 10%), and sufficient water supply was provided.

[82] (3) Chemical regulation at floral induction stage

[83] After branches were gradually lignified and stopped growing, a 700 mg/L paclobutrazol solution was sprayed once every week, and the spraying was stopped after 4 consecutive sprays. During this period, the following environment was provided: light: 70,000 lux, air temperature: 32°C, and relative air humidity: 85%; and a 0.15% fully water-soluble fertilizer was watered on roots and sprayed on leaves every 7 d (the fully water-soluble fertilizer had an N content of 10%, a P20s content of 30%, and a K20O content of 20%), and water supply was appropriately reduced.

[84] (4) Maintenance at bud stage

[85] When flower buds were observed by eyes at the branch top and leaf axil, excess flower buds were removed to retain 2 to 3 flower buds of the same size on each branch. During this period, the following environment was provided: light: 60,000 lux, air temperature: 32°C, and relative air humidity: 85%; and a 0.15% fully water-soluble fertilizer was watered on roots and sprayed on leaves every 10 d (the fully water-soluble fertilizer had an N content of 15%, a P20Os content of 15%, and a K;O content of 15%), and sufficient water supply was provided.

[86] (5) Miniature potted camellia product

[87] The miniature potted camellia could be released from a nursery and sold on the market when 3 to 5 buds started to bloom. It took 12 to 13 months from planting to release from nursery.

[88] Example 4

[89] Effect of paclobutrazol concentration on the flower bud differentiation of camellia

[90] 1. Materials

[91] 3-year-old camellia ‘ High Fragrance’ cultivated by the Flower Research Institute of the Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Sciences (FRI, YAAS) were used as experimental materials. The experiment was conducted in an experimental greenhouse of the Dachunhe Base of the FRI, YAAS (alt. 2050 m, 24°34'45"N, 102°35'20").

[92] 2. Method

[93] A single-factor randomized block design was adopted in this experiment. 50 of camellia ‘High Fragrance’ seedlings with robust and consistent growth were selected, and 5 paclobutrazol concentration treatments (0, 200, 400, 600, and 800 mg L™!) were set, with 10 plants for each treatment. All of the seedlings were cultivated under the same conditions. The spraying treatment was started on April 12, 2017, and then the spraying was conducted once every 7 d, with 4 consecutive sprays. The spraying was conducted in the late afternoon on a sunny day. The paclobutrazol solution was sprayed at a specified amount such that leaves were moist, and the paclobutrazol solution was retained on leaves in the form of drops and did not flow down. On August 25, 2017, the number of branches and flower buds at the branch top, and the differentiation rate of flower buds were counted.

[94] Flower bud differentiation rate = the number of flower buds at branch top/the number of branches * 100%.

[95] 3 .Results

[96] As shown in Table 1, paclobutrazol could successfully induce the flower bud differentiation of camellia, within a specified concentration range, the flower bud differentiation rate increased from less than 5% to more than 85% with the increase of paclobutrazol concentration; and there was no significant difference in flower bud differentiation rate at paclobutrazol concentrations of 600 and 800 mg Lt.

[97] Table 1 Effect of different paclobutrazol concentrations on the flower bud differentiation rate of camellia vo ewe ee

[98] Note: The same letters in the same column indicate no significant difference, p >

0.05.

[99] Example 5

[100] Effect of paclobutrazol spraying time on the flower bud differentiation of camellia

[101] In order to find the optimal time to spray paclobutrazol, based on the concentration treatment, a paclobutrazol solution with a concentration of 800 mg L* was sprayed at different times from the beginning of April to the end of May.

[102] 1. Materials

[103] The materials were the same as in the concentration test.

[104] 2. Method

[105] A single-factor randomized block design was adopted in this experiment. 60 of camellia ‘High Fragrance’ seedlings with robust and consistent growth were selected, and 6 paclobutrazol spraying start times (April 3, April 13, April 23, May 3, May 13, and May 23) were set, with 10 plants for each treatment. All of the seedlings were cultivated under the same conditions. The spraying treatment was started on April 3, 2018, and then the spraying was conducted once every 10 d, with 4 consecutive sprays. The spraying was conducted in the late afternoon on a sunny day. The paclobutrazol solution was sprayed at a specified amount such that leaves were moist, and the paclobutrazol solution was retained on leaves in the form of drops and did not flow down. The number of flower buds was counted on August 5, 2018.

[106] 3. Results

[107] As shown in Table 2, the paclobutrazol solution with a concentration of 800 mgL° could successfully induce the flower bud differentiation of camellia; and the optimal time to start paclobutrazol spraying was between April to May, and thereafter, the number of flower buds was greatly reduced with the delay of spraying start time.

[108] Table 2 Effect of paclobutrazol sprayed during different periods on the number of camellia flower buds Paclobutrazol spraying start time | The number of flower eg

[109] Note: The same letters in the same column indicate no significant difference, p >

0.05.

[110] Example 6

[111] Effect of paclobutrazol on the growth and flower bud number of camellia

[112] 1. Materials

[113] 2-year-old camellia ‘High Fragrance’ cultivated by the FRI, YAAS were adopted as experimental materials. The experiment was conducted in an experimental greenhouse of the Dachunhe FRI, YAAS (alt. 2050 m, 24°34'45"N, 102935'20").

[114] 2. Method

[115] A single-factor randomized block design was adopted in this experiment. 60 of camellia ‘High Fragrance’ seedlings with robust and consistent growth were selected, and 2 paclobutrazol concentration treatments (0 and 800 mg L*!) were set, with 30 plants for each treatment. Paclobutrazol with a corresponding concentration was initially sprayed on April 28, 2019, and then sprayed once every 10 d, with 4 consecutive sprays.

The spraying was conducted in the late afternoon on a sunny day. The paclobutrazol solution was sprayed at a specified amount such that leaves were moist, and the paclobutrazol solution was retained on leaves in the form of drops and did not flow down. The plant height and the number of flower buds were counted on October 8, 2019.

[116] 3. Results

[117] As shown in Table 3, the paclobutrazol treatment exhibited a significant effect on the growth of camellia in spring and summer; at the beginning of October, the plants treated with 0 mg L™! and 800 mg L™! paclobutrazol had plant heights of 50.06 and 31.87 cm, respectively, indicating that the plant height of plants without paclobutrazol treatment was significantly higher than that of plants with paclobutrazol treatment; and the paclobutrazol treatment could successfully induce the 2-year-old seedings of camellia to produce flower buds, with an average flower bud number of 17.63 buds/plant, but only one of the control plants had one flower bud.

[118] Table 3 Effect of paclobutrazol on the plant height and flower bud number of camellia Paclobutrazol concentration (mg-L!) | Plant height (cm) | The number of flower ee ee

[119] Note: The same letters in the same column indicate no significant difference, p >

0.05.

[120] In the present disclosure, according to data in the above-mentioned examples, chemical regulation was conducted at the floral induction stage. That is, after the branches of camellia seedlings were gradually lignified and stop growing, a 600 to 800 mg'L*! paclobutrazol solution was sprayed every 7 to 10 d, such that the differentiation of seedling flower buds was significantly promoted and potted camellia could rapidly grow to meet market requirements, which significantly shortened the production cycle of potted camellia.

[121] The above descriptions are merely preferred implementations of the present disclosure. It should be noted that a person of ordinary skill in the art may further make several improvements and modifications without departing from the principle of the present disclosure, but such improvements and modifications should be deemed as falling within the protection scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

“17 - Conclusions

A method for quickly growing miniature potted camellia, comprising directly planting potted camellia cuttings in December, without transplanting after rooting; topping to promote side branch germination at the seedling stage; and performing chemical control with paclobutrazol in flower induction stage.

A method of rapid breeding of miniature camellia in a pot according to claim 1, wherein the cuttings are semi-lignified branches of the current year each having 1 top bud, 2-4 side buds and 2-4 intact leaves.

A method for rapid breeding of miniature camellia in a pot according to claim 1, wherein a medium used for the cuttings is a mixture of peat and perlite in a volume ratio of (4 - 5) : 1, with a pH of 4, 5 — 5.0.

The method of rapid cultivation of miniature potted camellia according to claim 1, wherein a growing environment for the plant is controlled as follows: light:

30,000 — 40,000 lux, moderate temperature: 23 — 26 °C, air temperature: 22 — 28 °C and relative humidity: above 90%.

A method of rapid growing of miniature camellia in a pot according to claim 1, wherein: the cuttings are planted evenly in the pots such that the leaf surfaces face a palm, leaf tips of each cutting face the outside of a pot, and leaves from two adjacent cuttings do not make contact.

The method of rapid growing of miniature potted camellia according to claim 1, wherein topping comprises removing apical buds from seedlings 70 to 80 d after planting.

The method for the rapid cultivation of potted miniature camellia according to claim 1, wherein a growing environment for promoting germination of side branches is controlled as follows: light: 40,000-60,000 lux, air temperature: 22-32°C and relative

- 18 - humidity: 70% - 85%.

The method for rapid growing of potted miniature camellia according to claim 1, wherein in the flower induction stage, the paclobutrazol is sprayed at 600-800 mg/L once every 7-10 days with 4 times continuously.

The method of rapidly growing miniature potted camellia according to claim 1, wherein: the method further comprises: at a bud stage of the potted camellia, removing excess flower buds to leave 2-3 flower buds on each branch until the miniature camellia in pot is obtained.

The method for rapid growing of miniature camellia in pot according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein from the seedling stage to the bud stage of camellia, a 0.1% to 0.15% fully water soluble NPK fertilizer is applied every 7 to 10 watered on the roots for days and sprayed on the leaves, and where the percentage refers to a mass fraction.