Latest Key Technical Points for Field Management of Yacon
Yacon, also known as jicama (Polymnia edulis), is a perennial herbaceous plant. It is generally eaten by us as a vegetable, but it can also be eaten raw, and it is a kind of “underground fruit”. Yacon contains a great deal of water and sugar, and its taste is very good. Although yacon has a high sugar content, the sugar it contains is inulin, and inulin is very difficult to digest, so yacon's calories are very low. More and more growers are cultivating it, so how should we do a good job of field management when growing yacon? Let's take a look below!
1. Seedling Stage Management
After sowing and emergence, yacon enters the seedling recovery stage, which generally does not last very long, around 9-11 days. After yacon is planted, it should be observed regularly to see whether there is any phenomenon of dead or missing seedlings. If there is, they should be replanted in time to ensure a full stand of seedlings in the field. After planting, a watering for seedling recovery should also be given in time, and then soil should be loosened once every half month to raise the soil temperature, pull out weeds in the field, and promote the growth of the seedlings. The soil should be kept in a semi-moist state, and the soil temperature must not be lower than 15 degrees. Let the seedlings grow in the most suitable environment.
2. Mid-Stage Management
After yacon is transplanted, drainage and irrigation work should be done well to ensure the survival rate of the seedlings. If the rainy season is encountered during the growing process, field drainage work should be done well, and drainage ditches should be dug in time to prevent excessive water accumulation in the field and the occurrence of waterlogging damage. Do a good job of field weeding, and during weeding, soil can be properly hilled up to form ridges. Try to avoid applying pesticides. For weaker seedlings, farmyard manure can be applied. After entering summer, remove leggy branches, side branches, and overly dense branches to control the growth rate of the branches and prevent them from affecting the growth of the plant.
3. Growth Period Management
When yacon has been planted for about one month, the temperature will gradually rise. At this time, the plant grows relatively fast, and its demand for fertilizer and water gradually increases. Therefore, during yacon's growth period, we should strengthen fertilizer and water management, and timely topdress and water according to yacon's growth rate, soil conditions, and various other factors. Loosen the soil regularly to improve the soil's moisture retention capacity. If drought occurs, do not irrigate the soil with a large amount of water; it needs to be done gradually. This can effectively increase the speed of fruit expansion and increase the fruit's sugar content.
4. Late-Stage Management
After yacon grows to the late stage, it gradually matures, and its growth rate gradually declines. At this time, the plant's growth focus shifts from the top to the bottom. But we still need to protect the growth of stems and leaves, promote fruit expansion, and continue to maintain the soil's water content. Do not irrigate with a large amount of water; drip irrigation can be used to ensure the plant's water needs. However, watering should be stopped 3 weeks before harvest. During the maturity period, even more attention should be paid to water accumulation, and drainage should be done in time to prevent fruit rot. Properly apply foliar fertilizer to prevent premature senescence and promote leaf photosynthesis.
The above is a brief introduction to yacon field management. Yacon's economic value is relatively high, and with the expansion of market demand, it still has an upward trend. However, cultivation also carries risks. First of all, you must master relatively mature cultivation techniques, be familiar with various pests and diseases, and be able to respond to various emergencies in order to cultivate successfully and increase yield. That is all for today's introduction. This article is for reference only, and we hope it is helpful to everyone.