Overview:
Crataegus subpilosa Sarg. is a flowering plant commonly known as the Korean hawthorn. It is a member of the Rosaceae family and is native to Korea and the surrounding regions. The plant is known for its small, red berries that have a distinct sweet and sour flavor.
Appearance:
The Korean hawthorn plant is a small deciduous tree or shrub that can grow up to 6 meters in height. It has small, glossy green leaves that are deeply lobed and have a serrated edge. The plant's flowers are white or pink and have a pleasant fragrance. The fruit of the plant, which is a small berry-like pome, is bright red and has a diameter of around 1 cm.
Uses:
The Korean hawthorn plant has both medicinal and culinary uses. In traditional Korean medicine, the plant is used to treat digestive issues and high blood pressure. The fruit of the plant is also commonly used in Korean cuisine in various dishes such as teas, jams, and savory stews. The Korean hawthorn has also been used in the production of alcoholic beverages like wine and liqueurs.
Light Requirements:
Crataegus subpilosa Sarg. requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. In areas with high temperature, it is recommended to provide some shade during the hottest part of the day.
Temperature:
The plant prefers a moderate climate with cool to warm temperatures. It can tolerate cold temperatures as low as -15°C but cannot withstand extreme heat above 38°C. The ideal temperature range for growth lies between 18 to 25°C.
Soil Requirements:
The plant can grow in a wide range of soils but prefer slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5. It can also tolerate poor soils, drought, and soil erosion but must be well-drained. Although it can grow in loamy, sandy, or clayey soils, the plant prefers loamy soils with high organic content and good fertility. The soil must retain moisture but with adequate drainage to avoid waterlogging.
Cultivation
Crataegus subpilosa Sarg. is a deciduous hawthorn shrub that can grow up to 5 meters in height. It is native to China and requires well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. The plant can tolerate partial shade but prefers full sun exposure for at least 6 hours every day. Crataegus subpilosa Sarg. can be propagated from seeds, cuttings, or suckers.
Watering Needs
Crataegus subpilosa Sarg. requires moderate watering. The plant prefers slightly moist soil but cannot tolerate standing water. Irrigation should be done deeply and less frequently to encourage the roots to grow deeper. The frequency of watering should be determined by the weather conditions and the type of soil. During dry spells, the plant may require more frequent watering.
Fertilization
This plant requires little to no fertilization in soil with good fertility. However, in poor soil conditions, application of compound fertilizer with a low nitrogen content would be appropriate. Fertilizer should be applied in early spring before the plant starts to grow, and care should be taken not to over-fertilize. Organic fertilizers such as compost or manure can also be applied in the planting hole or as a mulch around the base of the plant.
Pruning
Pruning is necessary for Crataegus subpilosa Sarg. to maintain its shape and control its size. Pruning should be done during winter or early spring before the plant starts to bud. The plant can be pruned lightly to remove dead or damaged branches. Older plants may require more drastic pruning, and care should be taken not to remove more than one-third of the plant at a time. The plant can also be pruned to promote better air circulation and reduce pest and disease problems.
Propagation of Crataegus subpilosa Sarg.
Crataegus subpilosa Sarg. can be propagated through several methods such as seed propagation, cutting propagation, grafting or layering.
Seed propagation
Seeds of Crataegus subpilosa Sarg. are readily available and can be collected from the ripe fruits during the fall season. Before sowing the seeds, they must be stratified to break their dormancy. Stratification involves storing the seeds in a moist medium for several weeks at low temperatures. The stratified seeds can be sown in a seedbed, where they will germinate in the spring.
Cutting propagation
Cutting propagation involves taking stem cuttings from the parent plant and rooting them to produce new plants. For Crataegus subpilosa Sarg., the best time to take cuttings is in the late summer or early fall. The cuttings should be taken from current-year growth and should be 6-8 inches long. The leaves on the lower half of the cutting should be removed, and the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone before being inserted into a rooting medium. The rooted cuttings can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the field.
Grafting
Grafting is a common propagation method for hawthorn species, including Crataegus subpilosa Sarg. Grafting involves joining a scion from the desired cultivar onto a rootstock from a related species. The resulting plant will have the desired traits of the scion and the desirable rootstock's disease resistance and vigor. Hawthorn species can be grafted using whip grafting, cleft grafting or budding.
Layering
Layering is a propagation method that involves bending a low branch of the plant to the ground and covering it with soil. The branch will develop roots at the point of contact with the soil, and a new plant will grow from the rooted branch. For Crataegus subpilosa Sarg., layering can be done in the spring or early fall. Once the branch has rooted, it can be separated from the parent plant and transplanted.
Disease Management for Crataegus subpilosa Sarg.
Crataegus subpilosa Sarg., commonly known as the Chinese hawthorn, is susceptible to various diseases that can affect its growth and productivity. Here are some of the common diseases affecting Crataegus subpilosa Sarg. and ways to manage them:
Fire blight
Fire blight is a bacterial disease that affects several species of plants, including Crataegus subpilosa Sarg. The disease is caused by the bacterium Erwinia amylovora and can cause dieback, shoot wilting, and cankers. To manage fire blight, growers need to remove and dispose of any affected plant parts as soon as possible. Applying copper-based bactericides during the dormant season can also help prevent the spread of the disease.
Cedar-quince rust
Cedar-quince rust is a fungal disease that affects plants in the rose family, including Crataegus subpilosa Sarg. The disease can cause leaf spots, twig cankers, and fruit rot. To manage cedar-quince rust, growers should remove and dispose of any cankered plant parts and apply fungicides. Removing any nearby cedar trees that serve as the alternate host could also help control the disease.
Pest Management for Crataegus subpilosa Sarg.
In addition to diseases, Crataegus subpilosa Sarg. can also be attacked by various pests. Here are some of the common pests affecting the plant and ways to manage them:
Apple maggots
Apple maggots are the larvae of the Rhagoletis pomonella fly and can infest the fruits of Crataegus subpilosa Sarg. The infestation can cause the fruits to rot and drop prematurely. To manage apple maggots, growers should practice a combination of cultural and chemical control methods. These can include removing any fallen fruit, thinning the fruit, using sticky traps, and applying insecticides.
Tent caterpillars
Tent caterpillars are common pests that feed on the leaves of Crataegus subpilosa Sarg. The caterpillars create webbed nests in the fork of branches, which can be unsightly and damage the plant. To manage tent caterpillars, growers can remove any visible nests and use insecticides that contain Bacillus thuringiensis.
By understanding the common diseases and pests that affect Crataegus subpilosa Sarg. and implementing appropriate management practices, growers can ensure that their plants remain healthy and productive.
