The Latest Seedling Raising Methods and Technical Points for Jicama

The scientific name of jicama is yam bean (Pachyrhizus erosus), and its main edible part is the swollen underground root. The seeds are pod-shaped and can be used as an insecticide. It is currently cultivated in various parts of southern China and can be considered a juicy, heat-relieving fruit. Planting mainly relies on seed propagation. The seeds are relatively hard and difficult to germinate, so they must undergo seed soaking and germination-promotion treatment before sowing to survive easily. Direct sowing takes a long time to emerge. Today we will discuss the seedling raising methods for jicama.

1. Seed saving

When planting in the previous season, seeds for the next season must be kept. Seed saving means that when the seed pods mature and turn yellow, select large, plump pods that have not been bitten by insects. After picking and shelling them, take out the mature, discolored, plump large seeds. If the pods are completely dry, the seeds can be sealed directly. If not, they can first be sun-dried until they split open, and then the seeds can be taken out and stored.

2. Site selection and land preparation

Sandy loam soil that is permeable, retains water and fertilizer, and is not sticky in deeper layers is needed for planting. Before sowing, the land should be deeply plowed to a depth of 30 to 40 cm, which is beneficial for root growth. After plowing, base fertilizer should be applied. Generally, about 1000 jin of livestock manure, 100 jin of plant ash, and 50 jin of superphosphate are needed per mu. A relatively large amount of fertilizer is applied because the root likes fertilizer and requires much nutrition for growth. After fertilizing, mix with fine soil and then bury it underground, cover it with 8 cm of fertilizer-free soil, and then level the land.

3. Seed treatment

The seeds are relatively large, hard, thick-skinned, and tough, so direct sowing makes germination difficult. Therefore, after seed soaking and germination-promotion treatment, sowing again results in fast and uniform emergence. First, place the seeds in hot water at 55 degrees, stir and soak for 20 minutes, then take them out and place them in warm water at 25 to 30 degrees to soak for about 10 hours. After the seeds have absorbed enough water, take them out, air-dry them, wrap them in a clean wet towel, and place them in an electronically temperature-controlled box for germination. Every day they must be taken out and rinsed to remove the produced mucus, to avoid seed rot. After about a few days, first take out the germinated seeds and sow them first, and sow those that emerge later afterward.

4. Sowing

For sowing, directly dig holes by hand on the seedbed and sow. Generally, the plant spacing for sowing is 3 cm and the row spacing is about 5 cm. Sow directly and cover with 1 cm of soil. If the seeds have already germinated and there are many, the soil cover can be reduced further. You can also directly insert the seeds so that the upper end of the white-sprouted shoot is exposed above the soil surface while the rest is inserted into the soil. After sowing, water to moisten the soil so it binds closely. If high temperature and strong light occur, cover for shade and water in the evening.

5. Management

After emergence, some may be slower. You can wait until 50% have emerged and then check once. If seed rot occurs, replant missing seedlings, and carry out replanting on cloudy days. Apply some light fertilizer water in time to promote uniform emergence. After uniform emergence, thin and transplant seedlings once, keeping strong seedlings. After that, do not apply fertilizer or water, and harden the seedlings. One week before transplanting, apply sufficient fertilizer and water, and water thoroughly before transplanting.

Jicama is mainly grown by raising seedlings from seeds, but because the seeds are hard, special attention is needed during seedling raising. Soaking seeds to promote germination before sowing is a commonly used method in production, but it may take time, and the soaking temperature must be adjusted accordingly. The above content is provided for reference.