The Latest Eucommia Ring-Barking Technique: Method Tutorial and Precautions
Eucommia is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb in China; it is the dried bark of the Eucommia tree (Eucommia ulmoides), and when used as medicine it has the effects of tonifying the liver and kidneys, strengthening the bones and muscles, and preventing miscarriage, giving it extremely high economic value. At harvest time the bark is ring-barked off the tree, and today the ring-barking regeneration method is used, which can increase yield. Let's take a detailed look together below.
1. Barking time
The best time for barking Eucommia is when the temperature is around 25-30 and the relative air humidity is 70%-90%, that is, barking is carried out in May-June. During this period the temperature is extremely high and stable, and there is more rain, the air humidity is relatively high, and the leaves of the Eucommia plant are fully spread out, making it the best time for barking.
2. Ring-barking method
First make a horizontal cut all the way around at the branching point of the trunk, then make a vertical cut perpendicular to it in a T shape. Pay attention to the length of the vertical cut; generally, when the vertical cut reaches about 20 cm from the ground, make another horizontal cut all the way around. The depth of the cut must be controlled well: cut through the phloem only, without damaging the xylem. Then lift the edge of the vertical cut with the tip of the knife, and with your hand tear while prying, at the same time cutting off the connecting bark, until barking is complete. During the barking process, do not touch the trunk after barking with your hands or tools, so as to avoid mechanical damage.
3. Protective measures
After ring-barking, protective measures should be carried out to speed up the regeneration of new bark. Generally, after ring-barking, an air humidity above 80% is favourable for the regeneration of new bark. After barking, wrap the barked area well with transparent film; the overlap of the film should be tied tightly so that it is not dried out by wind, and the upper and lower ends should also be tied with rope, tighter at the top and looser at the bottom.
4. Precautions
When ring-barking, it is best to choose Eucommia trees that have grown for more than 10 years and are growing vigorously; trees that are weak or growing poorly are not suitable for ring-barking. The ring-barking length should not exceed 1 m, so as to avoid inhibiting the normal growth of the plant. When ring-barking, avoid rainy days, so that the ring-barking wound does not fail to heal for a long time and become mouldy, unable to form new bark, affecting bark regeneration, and in severe cases leading to tree death; it is best to choose cloudy weather without rain for ring-barking. When ring-barking, also be careful never to damage the cambium of the trunk.
The above is an introduction to the Eucommia ring-barking technique and precautions. We hope it can help you. If you want to learn more related knowledge, please follow us.