Short-shoot cutting propagation of Tea plants not only preserves the superior characteristics of the parent tree but also achieves rapid multiplication of tea seedlings, making it the optimal approach for the advancement of clonal varieties of tea, including albino tea.
Technological Process for Propagation
-
Propagation Plan: Determine the variety, quantity, and timing of propagation, prepare funds, materials, and labor accordingly.
-
Cultivate Cuttings: Decide on the source of cuttings and arrange for their cultivation in advance.
-
Nursery Preparation: Prepare the nursery and seedbeds in advance and equip them with necessary materials.
-
Pruning and Propagating: Prune cuttings, propagate them, and manage the nursery concurrently.
-
Nursery Management: Manage water, temperature, light, fertilization, pest and weed control, and branch control.
-
Transplanting Seedlings: Prepare for water control in the nursery, packaging materials, and transplant seedlings according to standards.
Propagation Cycle and Timing
The propagation cycle for cutting propagation typically requires one year for the growth of healthy, qualified tea seedlings. However, with advancements in propagation and planting techniques, the cycle is trending towards shortening. Many self-breeders opt for transplanting small-sized seedlings in nearby areas with favorable ecological conditions. When using advanced facilities such as greenhouses, the seedlings often meet the required specifications without needing a full year. Additionally, precision planting techniques ensure that seedlings can be transplanted earlier. Some regions even experiment with planting during the plum rains or autumn, achieving better results than planting in winter or spring.
Timing of Propagation for Albino Tea in Ningbo and Similar Accumulated Temperature Zones
1. Plum Rain Propagation (June Mid to Early July)
The period is ideal for high survival rates and dense root systems, but the seedlings are relatively small (10-20 cm). Early propagation is recommended with adequate light, fertilizer, and water supply. Late propagation may result in insufficient growth and difficulty transplanting, especially in high-altitude areas. The reduced white coloration of spring shoots makes them unsuitable for cuttings, which may also reduce the income from the mother garden's spring tea harvest.
2. Summer Propagation (Mid-July to Late August)
The cuttings have not yet formed Flower buds, leading to faster healing, growth, and higher survival rates. However, this period has high temperatures and labor intensity, increasing the risk when sourcing cuttings from distant locations. The seedlings can reach over 10 cm in height by the end of the year, growing significantly the following year if not planted too densely.
3. Autumn Propagation (Early September to Late October)
The climate is suitable, and the period is long, with wide sources of cuttings and low labor intensity. The seedlings often form complete plants or healing tissues by the end of the year, ensuring safe winter survival. However, improper management of cuttings may lead to an abundance of flower buds, increasing the workload for pruning and removing buds after planting. Earlier propagation during this period leads to better survival rates and growth.
4. Winter Propagation (Early November to Early December)
The cuttings enter dormancy, with minimal wound healing. Winter survival techniques are crucial, but the subsequent growth is similar to spring-planted seedlings. Winter propagation is more feasible in warmer southern regions but generally not recommended elsewhere.
5. Pre-Spring Propagation (Before Spring Tea Sprouting)
Suitable for temperate regions, the sap flow before sprouting allows cuttings to enter the budding phase immediately, ensuring high survival rates. However, proper post-planting fertilization and management are essential for sufficient growth.
Quality Requirements for Tea Seedlings
According to the Ningbo White Tea standard, seedlings are divided into first and second grade. First-grade seedlings must have a base thickness of at least 2.5 mm, a height of at least 25 cm, and more than 10 roots longer than 15 cm, accounting for 95% of the batch. Second-grade seedlings require a base thickness of at least 2 mm, a height of at least 18 cm, and more than four roots longer than 15 cm, also accounting for 95% of the batch. Both grades must be free from nematodes, root rot, and other quarantine diseases, with 100% purity.
One-Year-Old Propagated Seedling
Ideal albino tea seedlings should be evaluated based on the thickness of the shoot and the development of the root system, followed by height. Seedlings with a thickness of 3 mm or more, dense root systems, at least one branch, and a height between 25 and 40 cm are considered most ideal. Seedlings that are only 15-20 cm tall but have thick stems and well-developed root systems are also ideal. Controlling the height and promoting branching during propagation can increase the density of branches, forming two or more branches, which facilitates the rapid formation of the canopy after transplantation.
This article is excerpted from Chill-Sensitive Albino Tea by Wang Kai Rong, Wu Ying, Liang Yue Rong, Li Ming, Zhang Long Jie, and Han Zhen, published by Zhejiang University Press.
If there is any infringement, please contact us for removal.