Sexual reproduction in plants refers to the process of producing seeds. Kudingcha, a dioecious plant, is known for its scattered distribution and low seed-setting rate. Moreover, its seeds are thick and hard, making them difficult to germinate under normal conditions.
I. Seed Harvesting
Kudingcha seeds typically mature in November. The red color of the fruit indicates maturity. Timely harvesting is crucial—harvesting too early results in underdeveloped embryos with weak growth potential, while delaying harvest may cause fruits to fall and lead to losses. To ensure high-quality seeds, it's best to conduct two separate harvests. During the first harvest, immature leaves are left on the plant, and the second harvest takes place about half a month later.
II. Seed Storage
Freshly harvested Kudingcha fruits have a moisture content of 50–60%, which makes them unsuitable for long-term storage. Before storing, the fruits should be de-pulped and dried indoors. The layer thickness should not exceed 5 cm, and the seeds should be turned several times daily to ensure even drying. Avoid direct exposure to sunlight, as excessive water loss can reduce the germination rate. Once dried, the seeds should be stratified by mixing them with sand in layers: 3–4 cm of sand, then 1 cm of seeds, followed by another 1 cm of wet sand. This process should be repeated. It’s important to frequently moisten the sand to maintain optimal humidity.
III. Seed Soaking and Germination
The seed coat of Kudingcha is exceptionally hard, making natural germination difficult without special treatment. Soaking the seeds in water for 3–4 days, changing the water daily, can improve germination. Germination is a critical factor in successful sexual reproduction. Using an incubator with a temperature of 42–44°C and humidity of 65–75% can enhance germination, which usually takes around 30 days.
IV. Sowing and Seedling Management
A well-prepared nursery is essential for sowing. Sandy loam soil is ideal because it doesn’t compact easily, aiding seedling emergence. The soil depth should be at least 40 cm, and access to a reliable water source is also important.
1. Sowing
Sowing is generally done between November and March of the following year, with winter sowing often yielding better results than spring sowing. In 1993, the group conducted sowing in March. After leveling the soil, the Kudingcha seeds were mixed with phosphate fertilizer and evenly spread, then covered with sifted fine soil three times the thickness of the seeds. A layer of mulch was placed on top to retain warmth. Since Kudingcha has small seeds, shallow sowing is necessary to facilitate emergence. Shallow sowing also ensures sufficient oxygen and allows the soil surface to warm up faster in spring, promoting earlier germination.
2. Seedling Care
After sowing, it takes about 5–6 months for the seedlings to emerge, but the germination rate is relatively low. According to data from the experiment, only 2,400 out of 14,000 seeds germinated, and by August, only 2,000 survived. Once the seedlings emerge, proper care is essential. First, timely weeding is necessary to prevent competition for nutrients and water, as well as to reduce pest and disease risks. Weeds should be removed when the soil is soft, such as in the early morning or after rain. Second, timely topdressing helps provide essential nutrients and improves drought resistance. Diluted human waste is an effective option. Third, shade nets should be installed in June to protect young seedlings from sunburn and excessive evaporation. Seedling management also includes pest control, pruning, and regular cultivation.
Natural Plant Extract
Natural Plant Extract is a kind of solid powder obtained by cleaning, extracting, concentrating and spray drying Chinese herbal fruits and vegetables, without adding any other ingredients; The effective components and essence of plants are extracted, which improves the full utilization rate of plants and is beneficial to human absorption.
The components of plant extracts can be divided into glycosides, acids, polyphenols, polysaccharides, terpenoids, flavonoids, alkaloids and so on. For example, the main component of green tea extract is tea polyphenols. Ginseng extract mainly contains a variety of ginseng monomer saponins; According to different characters, it can be divided into extract, powder, lens, etc., such as violet leaf extract, hang white chrysanthemum extract.
Natural Plant Extract,Paeony Extract,Licorice Root Extract,Dong Quai Root Extract
Fufeng Sinuote Biotechnology Co.,Ltd. , https://www.sinuotebio.com