Medicinal Plant Research 2024, Vol.14, No.6, 308-319 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/mpr 317 7.2 Application of genetic improvement in cultivation Genetic improvement through hybridization and biotechnological approaches holds significant potential for enhancing the cultivation of Paeonia lactiflora 'Hang Baishao'. Hybridization efforts have already shown promise in creating new cultivars with desirable traits such as increased adaptability to warmer climates and improved flowering capabilities. For example, 'Hang Baishao' has been identified as an excellent male parent in hybridization due to its high pollen viability, which can be leveraged to develop new cultivars with enhanced traits (Zhang et al., 2019a; Wang et al., 2022b). In addition to traditional breeding methods, modern genetic engineering techniques such as CRISPR/Cas9 can be employed to introduce specific genes that confer resistance to diseases, pests, and environmental stresses. This can lead to the development of peony cultivars that are more resilient and require fewer inputs, thereby reducing the environmental impact of cultivation. Furthermore, understanding the genetic basis of key traits such as bud dormancy release and chilling requirements can facilitate the selection and breeding of cultivars that are better suited to low-latitude regions (Wang et al., 2020; Song et al., 2023). 7.3 Sustainability and ecological cultivation Sustainability and ecological cultivation practices are essential for the long-term viability of Paeonia lactiflora 'Hang Baishao' cultivation. Implementing sustainable practices such as organic farming, integrated pest management (IPM), and the use of renewable resources can minimize the environmental footprint of peony cultivation. For instance, the use of organic fertilizers and natural pest control methods can reduce the reliance on chemical inputs, promoting a healthier ecosystem (Zhang et al., 2019b; Wang et al., 2022a). Additionally, adopting ecological cultivation techniques such as crop rotation, intercropping, and conservation tillage can improve soil health and biodiversity. These practices can enhance the resilience of the cultivation system to environmental stresses and reduce the risk of soil degradation (Deng et al., 2022; Singh et al., 2024). Research into the ecological interactions between peonies and their surrounding environment can provide valuable insights into optimizing these practices for better yield and quality. By prioritizing sustainability, the cultivation of 'Hang Baishao' can contribute to the conservation of natural resources and the promotion of environmental stewardship (Wang et al., 2022b; Song et al., 2023). 8Concluding Remarks The cultivation techniques for Paeonia lactiflora 'Hang Baishao' have seen significant advancements, particularly in adapting the plant to low-latitude regions with warmer winters. Key findings include the identification of 'Hang Baishao' as a cultivar with a low chilling requirement (CR), making it suitable for southern growing regions. The use of growth regulators and specific chilling and irrigation treatments has been shown to optimize flowering and ensure quality. Additionally, the integration of long-running quantitative observation (LQO) and multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) approaches has proven effective in evaluating the comprehensive performance of 'Hang Baishao' and other cultivars in subtropical climates. The advances in cultivation techniques for 'Hang Baishao' are significant for several reasons. They enable the expansion of peony cultivation into regions previously considered unsuitable due to warmer winter climates, thereby increasing the economic value and ornamental application of the plant. At the same time, the development of reliable models for evaluating chilling requirements and the use of growth regulators provide a scientific basis for optimizing cultivation practices. The future of 'Hang Baishao' cultivation looks promising, with ongoing research likely to yield further improvements in yield and quality. The successful adaptation of 'Hang Baishao' to low-latitude regions sets a precedent for the introduction of other temperate plants into subtropical and tropical areas. Continued refinement of chilling treatments, growth regulators, and evaluation models will enhance the plant's adaptability and resilience to climate change. Moreover, the integration of advanced genetic studies could unlock new traits that further optimize the plant's performance in diverse environmental conditions. The advancements in the cultivation techniques of Paeonia lactiflora 'Hang Baishao' have not only improved its yield and quality but also expanded its growing range to include low-latitude regions. These developments are
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