International Journal of Horticulture, 2024, Vol.14, No.6, 426-437 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/ijh 430 40-42,60; Jia et al., 2023). The planting hole should be 60 centimeters wide and 50 centimeters deep, with sufficient width and depth to support root expansion and growth, ensuring the absorption of nutrients and water supply. The soil filling method for the planting holes should also be planned scientifically. After digging the hole, the topsoil and subsoil should be piled separately to facilitate refilling. First, a layer of crop stalks, weeds, or leaves should be placed at the bottom of the hole as the base material, with a thickness of about 20 centimeters, which helps to keep the soil moist and provide organic matter. Then, decomposed organic fertilizer (such as compost or well-rotted farmyard manure) should be added to provide nutrients for the initial growth of the seedlings. Drainage ditches should also be designed around the planting hole to prevent water accumulation from damaging the roots. A scientifically designed planting hole not only improves the survival rate of Akebia trifoliata seedlings but also ensures a stable supply of water and nutrients throughout their growth, laying a solid foundation for high yield and quality fruit production. 4 Propagation and Planting Techniques 4.1 Propagation methods The propagation of Akebia trifoliata can be done through several methods, including seed propagation, cutting propagation, layering, and root division. Among these methods, cutting propagation is widely used because of its high survival rate, ease of operation, and significant economic benefits (Wang, 2024). Cutting propagation is typically performed in the spring or autumn, using healthy, one- to two-year-old branches that are free from pests and diseases as cutting materials. Branches are cut into 10-20 cm sections, with a slanted cut at the bottom and a flat cut at the top, leaving 2-3 leaves at the top to reduce water evaporation. To promote rooting, the cut branches can be soaked in ABT2 rooting hormone solution before being inserted into the prepared seedbed. With proper scientific treatment, this method can achieve a survival rate of over 95%, providing a reliable source of seedlings for large-scale cultivation. Seed propagation and layering are suitable for situations where a longer nursery cycle and a higher quantity of seedlings are required. Seed propagation involves seed collection and germination treatment and is often used in breeding experiments or the selection of new varieties. Layering uses the plant’s rhizome branches for propagation (Zhang et al., 2023). Root division also has certain applications, especially for the propagation of wild resources, though it requires intensive care and management. The flexibility of Akebia trifoliata propagation methods allows growers to choose the appropriate method based on cultivation objectives and planting scale, offering a useful reference for the widespread cultivation of the plant. 4.2 Seedling cultivation and transplanting In the process of seedling cultivation for Akebia trifoliata, the design and management of the seedbed are crucial. The top layer of the seedbed can be made of fine river sand or yellow-red subsoil, with a ridge height of about 15 cm to maintain good drainage and aeration. To ensure seedling survival and growth rate, the seedbed is covered with two layers of shade netting to control direct sunlight exposure and to prevent damage to seedlings due to improper waterlogging, shading, or drought control. Akebia trifoliata seedlings generally begin to root in the seedbed after two to three weeks. Once the seedlings reach a suitable height, they can be transplanted on cloudy days to minimize environmental stress, which effectively increases the survival rate of the seedlings and helps them adapt more quickly to their new environment (Zhong et al., 2022a). Transplanting usually takes place from late February to mid-March in spring, a time when the climate is mild and humid, favoring the growth and root establishment of Akebia trifoliata. During transplanting, partially decomposed farmyard manure is added to the planting holes, and a mound of soil is formed at the bottom to allow the roots to spread and fix securely. The seedlings are placed in the hole, the remaining soil is backfilled, lightly compacted, and root-establishing water is immediately applied to ensure close contact between the roots and the soil, further improving the survival rate. The transplanted seedlings grow rapidly, laying a solid foundation for subsequent vine climbing and fruit production.
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