Abstract
Grafting is a common method of variety propagation in loquat breeding, the slow growth of rootstocks is a main factor limiting the expansion of this technique. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of seven different fertilizer formulas on the growth of loquat rootstock seedlings, five water-soluble fertilizer formulas, as well as organic fertilizer and controlled-release fertilizer were evaluated. An unfertilized control (CK) was also performed. Growth indicators including plant height, stem thickening and lignification, leaf area, root development, dry matter accumulation, spatial distribution of nutrient elements, and cross-sectional anatomy of stem were measured. The results showed that the addition of microelements in fertilizer could significantly delay the lignification process of the cambium, which exhibiting the greatest improvement in stem thickening. Phosphorus nutrition could significantly promote the occurrence of fibrous roots, while excessive phosphorus supply might disturb the absorption and utilization of nitrogen of roots, intensify the lignification process of the main stem, and then affect the growth of the aboveground part. The findings of this research could provide a theoretical basis for identifying an optimum fertilization formula and technique for promoting the rapid growth and accelerating the lignification process at different stages of loquat rootstock seedling growth.
Highlights
Grafting is a common method of variety propagation in loquat breeding, the slow growth of rootstocks is a main factor limiting the expansion of this technique
The objective of this study is to find out the optimal fertilization formula which can maintain the most vigorous growth as well as the most suitable lignification process, to provide a guidance for the rapid-growing cultivation technology of loquat rootstocks
Main stem diameter and degree of lignification are traditionally considered important indexes for measuring rootstock quality, many studies have shown that plant growth, mineral nutrient utilization and root morphology construction are mainly affected by genotype[15,16,17], the role of exogenous nutrient supply should not be neglected
Summary
Grafting is a common method of variety propagation in loquat breeding, the slow growth of rootstocks is a main factor limiting the expansion of this technique. A third view suggested that grafting survival rate and scion growth may be related to the maturity of rootstocks[9] All of these views indicated that the stem diameter, and the lignification degree of rootstock can affect rootstock quality. Fertilization plays an important role in promoting the initial growth and improving the quality of rootstock[10,11], for example, Silva[12] found that superphosphate promoted the height and stem diameter of plants to the greatest extent after 30 d of transplanting. Tomislav[14] reported that application of organic fertilizer can increase the content of total nitrogen (TN) and available phosphorus (AP) in the plowing layer soil and promote the root development of grape All of these results suggested that optimum form, content and proportion of nutrient elements might play a crucial role in regulating soil state and improve plant growth. The objective of this study is to find out the optimal fertilization formula which can maintain the most vigorous growth as well as the most suitable lignification process, to provide a guidance for the rapid-growing cultivation technology of loquat rootstocks
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