Grasp the Three Key Points in Gastrodia elata Cultivation to Achieve High Yield

I. Armillaria must have “three new” aspects

1. New technology: new methods to obtain new strains. The new method uses the latest biotechnology to detoxify the strains, which is by far the most advanced method of obtaining strains. Among traditional Armillaria strains, the best results come from those obtained by tissue isolation or spore isolation; ordinary units or individuals mostly use purchased mother cultures for subculturing and expansion, so the cultivation results are poor.

2. New strains: pure isolated strains within three generations are required. The pure isolated strains referred to in this article mean Armillaria strains detoxified using the latest biotechnology; three generations means the first detoxified generation of Armillaria strain is only subcultured once, that is, used to make secondary and tertiary spawn, and is no longer further expanded. Traditional Armillaria strains are not detoxified, and because of quantity needs, they are continuously expanded and cultured, some even subcultured without limit, causing strain vigor to decline, and in severe cases causing strain characteristics to degenerate; after being used for production, this will inevitably lead to hyphae and rhizomorphs being unable to meet the needs of Gastrodia elata growth, and the cultivation results can be imagined.

3. New fungal wood: for cultivating fungal wood, oak wood of the current year should be used, along with detoxified Armillaria strains; after inoculation, about 4 months are needed for the hyphae to penetrate into the xylem under the oak bark. On the surface, the bark is firm with no peeling; when cut open for inspection, the hyphae under the bark are dense, indicating successful cultivation and readiness for planting. When directly using Armillaria strains and cut logs for cultivation, the amount of strain used is slightly larger, and the effect is the same. It should be noted that the cut logs should be broadleaf tree species, and pine, fir, cypress, camphor and other tree species must not be used; try not to use poplar, paulownia and other tree species with soft tissue. Fungal wood that has been used for more than one year can be used as an interval material for transmitting hyphae, and should not be used directly as cultivation material.

II. Seed tubers must have “three highs”

1. High technical content: the latest technology now is sexual hybridization of Gastrodia elata; hybrid vigor can enable people to obtain ideal production results. Traditional seed tubers are mostly small tuber buds produced by “passing from generation to generation,” so it is difficult to achieve good cultivation results.

2. High survival rate: this is one of the primary conditions. The seed tubers are best white tubers, with individual weight of 10-50 grams being appropriate; most importantly, the individuals must be intact, without mechanical damage, without disease spots, without pests, etc. When observed against strong light, the seed tubers should be transparent throughout, with no shadow attached.

3. High tuber yield: this is the final result of hybrid Gastrodia elata seed tubers. Ordinary seed tubers generally have low yield; a maximum harvest of 5 kilograms is already good, while hybrid seed tubers can generally reach more than 20 kilograms, or even higher.

III. Cultivation must have “three requirements”

1. A good site must be selected: the ideal cultivation site should be warm and moist, not cold and dry or waterlogged. Generally, it can be in wild wasteland, gaps in forests, shady hillsides and sandy soil areas, and can also make full use of indoor spaces, basements, cave dwellings, courtyards, and open spaces shaded by vines for cultivation. In short, by artificially creating an environment suitable for Gastrodia elata growth, Gastrodia elata can be cultivated in any region.

2. Scientific management is required: Gastrodia elata cultivation technology is relatively simple, and people of any education level can learn the basic operations. After sowing Gastrodia elata, management only involves humidity and temperature, but scientific management must be adhered to. Specific cultivation management should achieve the following: first, the site soil must maintain a certain moisture content, and water promptly during drought; second, the temperature in the cultivation bed (pond) must not be higher than 28 degrees C; third, control moisture, and clear ditches for drainage during continuous rain; finally, build a shed for shade to avoid high-temperature tuber rot.

3. Timely harvest is required: practice has proved that timely harvest is a very important link, but this point is often easily overlooked in Gastrodia elata cultivation, ultimately leading to situations such as “hollow tubers”; generally, Gastrodia elata cultivated after November must be harvested after one year, and for spring cultivation, the harvest time should not be delayed, so as to avoid tuber rot and insect damage. If bolting occurs, there is no commercial value.