In recent years, many regions have developed a variety of high-quality traditional celery varieties, which now make up a significant portion of the planted crops. Since celery is a cross-pollinated plant, it's crucial to carefully maintain and manage these improved seedlings for future planting and to prevent genetic degradation. Establishing a solid breeding or cultivation base and selecting strong, healthy strains are essential steps in this process.
To ensure purity, other celery varieties must not be grown within at least 4,000 meters of the main planting area. Natural barriers such as lake islands, remote areas, or forest belts are often used to isolate the crop. In some cases, designated relocation sites or small-scale breeding bases are set up to further protect the integrity of the strain.
There are two main methods for collecting celery seeds: the large-scale seed collection method and the small-plant seed collection method.
The large-scale method, also known as "seed collection from old roots," involves selecting the best plants before the winter harvest. These selected plants should display the typical traits of the species and must be free from impurities. When a smaller number of seedlings is needed, good individual plants can be transplanted to the planting area. In early spring, a second selection takes place—plants that bolt too early, lack cold tolerance, or show signs of weakness are removed. After flowering, careful watering and fertilization are important to support seed development. Celery has a long flowering period, and seed maturity varies, so it's best to harvest in stages. On average, about 75 to 100 kg of seeds can be produced per mu. This method allows for the selection of desirable traits like cold resistance and helps prevent variety degeneration, making it ideal for preserving and rejuvenating local celery types.
On the other hand, the small-plant seed collection method involves sowing seeds in the fall, transplanting seedlings in early spring, and allowing them to bolt and produce seeds. While this method is less costly, it requires strict strain selection, and if not managed properly, it can lead to variety degradation over time. It’s commonly used when introducing new, high-quality varieties. Timing is critical—seeds are usually sown in open fields around late February. If sown too late, the seedlings may not go through the necessary vernalization stage, leading to poor bolting. If sown too early, they might bolt prematurely, resulting in insufficient vegetative growth and low seed yield.
When using the small-plant method, the plants are generally smaller, and their branching ability after bolting is limited. Therefore, the planting density is higher compared to the large-scale method. Typically, plants are spaced 20 cm apart with 50 cm between rows, with 2–3 plants per hole. All other cultivation practices, including seed harvesting, are similar to those used in the large-scale method.
Clear Acrylic Tape
Clear Vhb Tape,Clear Acrylic Tape,Acrylic Adhesive Tape,Double Sided Vhb Tape
Kunshan Jieyudeng Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd. , https://www.jerrytape.com