Where does Poria come from? An overview of the main producing areas

Poria is mainly produced in Anhui, Yunnan and Hubei. In addition, it is also cultivated in Hebei, Henan, Shandong, Zhejiang, Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Hunan, Sichuan, Guizhou, Shanxi and other places. Among these, Poria from Yunnan is relatively authentic, because Yunnan is the most suitable place for Poria to grow. So, what are the cultivation techniques for Poria?

1. Strain cultivation

Poria is somewhat different from the cultivation of other medicinal herbs, mainly because it is itself a facultative parasitic fungus, so before planting, the material needs to be prepared and the mycelium cultivated, so that it can grow normally. The most favorable nutrient for the growth of Poria fungus is pine wood, so we need to prepare pine wood, then divide it into sections or make it into stumps for material preparation. Each section is about one meter long; remove the bark, place it on the ground, and then cover it with grass material.

2. Site selection and land preparation

For Poria cultivation, it is best to choose sloped land with sandy soil that has good drainage, so the drainage effect will be better. Next, deep plowing is needed, breaking the soil up finely and raking it level, then disinfecting and sterilizing the soil. Another thing to note is that continuous cropping is prohibited on Poria planting land, because a large amount of other fungi will affect the growth of Poria. About half a month before inoculation, another deep plowing is needed, which can thoroughly clear impurities and insect pests in the soil and ensure the growth of Poria.

3. Inoculation and planting

Poria can be inoculated in spring and autumn. First, we need to select suitable strains or fresh Poria sclerotia. Next, on the prepared land, dig pits along the slope, place the log sections along the dug pits, and then we need to first disinfect the strains as well as thoroughly disinfect the people doing the inoculation, so as to avoid bacterial infection. After disinfection, evenly place them at the two ends or joints of the log sections, then sprinkle a layer of termite-killing agent, and finally cover lightly with soil.

4. Field management

About a week after inoculation, white mycelium will grow. We should promptly check the fungal growth in the field, and if there are gaps, replant in time. Then, about every ten days, conduct an inspection to see how the Poria is doing, whether there is dead fungus or foreign fungus. If there is, remove it in time, otherwise it will infect other healthy strains. After half a month, if termites appear in the soil, we need to eliminate the ants, because termites are the natural enemy of Poria growth. Finally, pay attention to the field moisture. If there is too much water, drain it in time; if the log sections are exposed above the ground, carry out earthing up, and so on.

Timely harvesting is also very important. Poria generally matures 8-10 months after inoculation. The harvested Poria is best stacked indoors in a windproof place, covered tightly with rice straw for 5-6 days, and then spread out to air for 1-2 days.