North American Maple seedling raising technology
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Liquidambar styraciflua, commonly known as the American sweetgum, is a large deciduous tree belonging to the family Hamamelidaceae. Native to North America, it is widely appreciated for its striking autumn foliage and adaptability. The tree features a tall, straight trunk and grows rapidly under favorable conditions. Its leaves are dark green in spring and summer, turning vibrant shades of yellow, orange, and red in the fall, making it an excellent ornamental species for gardens and landscapes.
This article outlines the pre-germination treatment and container nursery techniques for cultivating Liquidambar styraciflua.
**I. Seed Treatment**
After purchasing the seeds, they should be stored in a refrigerator at 1–5°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, then rinse thoroughly with clean water. This process helps disinfect the seeds and improve germination rates.
**II. Germination in Sand Bed**
Prepare a sand bed measuring 1 meter wide and 20 cm deep, with the length depending on the number of seeds. Use disinfected yellow sand (treated with 0.5% potassium permanganate) and fill the bed to a depth of 15 cm. Sow the sterilized 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 them lightly. Place a thermometer in the bed and cover it with a plastic sheet to maintain moisture and warmth. A bamboo frame can be used to support the plastic sheet, creating a mini greenhouse effect.
Maintaining proper moisture and temperature is crucial during germination. If the surface of the sand appears dry, mist it with water. When the temperature exceeds 30°C, ventilate the bed by opening the plastic sheet. Germination typically occurs within 25 days.
Once the seeds have sprouted, apply a fungicide such as 70% thiophanate-methyl (1000x dilution) or 36% chlorothalonil (500x dilution) every 7 to 10 days, alternating between the two to prevent resistance. Transplanting seedlings is best done around 15 days after germination. Choose cloudy days or evenings to reduce transplant shock and increase 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 a small amount of ferrous sulfate and 90% crystalline insecticide. Prepare the medium 20 days before transplanting. Use containers of 10 cm in diameter and 16 cm in height, which provide sufficient space for root development.
Fill the containers with the prepared medium up to 9 cm in depth, leaving space for further growth.
**IV. Transplanting Seedlings**
Transplant the seedlings on cloudy or evening days to minimize stress. Carefully lift the seedlings by their stems, and trim one-third of the main root using a sharp knife. Soak the remaining roots in a 70% thiophanate-methyl solution for a short period before placing them in a container with a small amount of fresh water and covering them with a damp cloth.
When planting, use chopsticks to make a hole in the center of the container, about 5 to 6 cm deep. Place the roots in the hole without bending them, ensuring that the stem and soil surface are level. Gently press the soil around the roots to secure them and water the base thoroughly.
**V. Container Seedling Care**
Sweetgum seedlings are sensitive to environmental stress, so shade should be provided immediately after transplanting. Some seedlings may die due to improper handling, but this is usually minimal. To prevent diseases like root rot and stem rot, spray 50% carbendazim WP (800x dilution) every 7 to 10 days, alternating with other fungicides to avoid resistance.
As the seedlings grow, they require more nutrients. Fertilize every 7 to 10 days with a solution of potassium dihydrogen phosphate and urea at 0.1% to 0.3% concentration. Increase the concentration gradually as the plants mature. Apply foliar fertilizers on cloudy days or early in the morning to avoid leaf burn.
With proper care, the seedlings can reach a height of 60 cm or more and a stem diameter of 0.7 cm or more within a year. At this stage, they can be planted in the nursery. For landscaping purposes, they may need to be grown into larger seedlings.
**VI. Planting Large Seedlings**
Select a well-drained, fertile site with deep soil for planting large seedlings. Prepare the soil thoroughly and add adequate basal fertilizer. Create north-south oriented beds 1.6 meters wide and 30 cm high, spacing the trees 1 meter apart, resulting in about 667 plants per acre.
Container-grown seedlings can be transplanted throughout the year, but the dormant season is ideal. When transplanting, cut any damaged roots carefully and try to keep the container intact. Water the roots immediately after planting and perform regular maintenance such as weeding, watering, and pest control.
Common pests include locusts and grasshoppers. Adult insects can be controlled with light traps, while larvae can be treated with 90% trichlorfon (90% crystal) or 1% aphid lice diluted 2000 times.
After five years of cultivation, the trees can reach a height of 3 meters and a diameter at breast height (DBH) of 2.5 to 3.0 cm, making them suitable for landscape planting.