North American Maple seedling raising technology
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Liquidambar styraciflua, commonly known as the American sweetgum, is a large, deciduous broad-leaved tree belonging to the family Hamamelidaceae. Native to North America, this tree is admired for its tall, straight trunk and rapid growth rate. Its leaves are dark green in spring and summer, turning vibrant shades of yellow, purple, and red in autumn, making it a popular ornamental in gardens and landscapes.
This article provides an overview of the seed pre-germination process and container nursery techniques for cultivating Liquidambar styraciflua.
**I. Seed Treatment**
After purchasing the seeds, they should be immediately stored in a refrigerator at 1°C to 5°C until February of the following year. Before sowing, soak the seeds in a 0.3% to 0.5% potassium permanganate solution for 30 to 60 minutes to disinfect them. After soaking, rinse the seeds thoroughly with clean water and allow them to dry slightly before sowing.
**II. Germination in Sand Bed**
Prepare a germination bed 1 meter wide and 20 cm deep. The length depends on the quantity of seeds. Use disinfected yellow sand (treated with 0.5% potassium permanganate) and fill the bed to a depth of 15 cm. Sow the seeds evenly at a rate of approximately 0.1 kg per square meter. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of sterile sand and water the bed gently. Insert a thermometer into the sand and cover the bed with a plastic sheet for moisture retention. A bamboo frame can be used to support the film and maintain warmth.
Moisture and temperature control are crucial during germination. If the surface of the sand appears dry, mist it with water. When the temperature exceeds 30°C, remove the plastic cover to cool the bed. Germination typically takes about 25 days.
Once the seeds have sprouted, spray the seedlings every 7 to 10 days with either 70% thiophanate-methyl diluted at 1000 times or 36% chlorothalonil at 500 times. Alternate between the two to prevent resistance. Transplant the seedlings when they are around 15 days old, preferably on cloudy days or in the evening to reduce stress and improve survival rates.
**III. Preparation of Growing Medium and Containers**
The growing medium should consist of 50% peat, 42% sandy loam, 5% perlite, 2% superphosphate, 1% imported compound fertilizer, plus some ferrous sulfate and 90% crystalline insecticide. Prepare the medium 20 days prior to transplanting. Use containers of 10 cm in diameter and 16 cm in height to allow proper root development. Fill the containers with the medium up to 9 cm deep.
**IV. Transplanting Seedlings**
Transplant the seedlings in the evening or on cloudy days. Carefully lift the seedlings by their stems, avoiding damage to the roots. Trim one-third of the main root with a sharp knife, then dip the remaining roots in a 70% thiophanate-methyl solution for a short time. Place the seedlings in containers with a small amount of fresh water and cover them with a damp cloth.
When planting, use chopsticks to make a 5–6 cm deep hole in the center of the container. Gently place the roots into the hole without bending them, ensuring that the stem and medium surface are level. Press the soil around the roots lightly and water the roots thoroughly.
**V. Container Seedling Management**
Sweetgum seedlings are sensitive to environmental stress, so shading is essential after transplanting. Some seedlings may die due to improper handling. To prevent diseases like root rot and stem rot, spray 50% carbendazim WP or 500 times diluted carbendazim every 7–10 days, alternating between the two.
Since the container medium has limited nutrients, fertilize every 7–10 days after two months, using 0.1% to 0.3% potassium dihydrogen phosphate and urea. Apply foliar fertilizer on cloudy days to avoid high-temperature stress. With proper care, the seedlings can grow over 60 cm in height and reach a stem diameter of 0.7 cm within a year. At this stage, they are ready for planting in the nursery or landscape.
**VI. Planting Large Seedlings**
Choose a well-drained, fertile site with good soil depth for planting larger seedlings. Prepare the soil thoroughly, add sufficient base fertilizer, and create north-south oriented beds 1.6 meters wide and 30 cm high. Space the plants 1 x 1 meter apart, totaling 667 plants per acre.
Container-grown seedlings can be transplanted year-round, but it's best to do so during dormancy. When transplanting, carefully cut the roots in the soil and avoid breaking the container. Water the roots immediately after transplanting and perform earthing-up work. Daily maintenance includes weeding, watering, fertilizing, and pest control. Common pests include locusts and grasshoppers; light traps are effective for adults, while larvae can be controlled with 90% trichlorfon or 1% imidacloprid diluted 2000 times.
After five years of cultivation, the trees can reach a height of 3 meters and a DBH of 2.5–3.0 cm, making them suitable for urban greening and landscaping projects.