What are the latest precautions for introducing Gastrodia elata?

Gastrodia elata is a very traditional Chinese medicinal herb in our country, and it has a very wide planting area in our country. Moreover, Gastrodia elata has no roots or leaves, so nutrient uptake is relatively difficult. Therefore, when planting Gastrodia elata, introduction and cultivation are mainly used. During introduction, due to the special characteristics of Gastrodia elata, there are many things we need to pay attention to. So today, the editor has brought you the precautions for introducing Gastrodia elata. Let's take a look below!

1. Suitable planting environment

As just mentioned, Gastrodia elata is a crop with no roots and no leaves. Since it has no leaves, it cannot carry out photosynthesis. Therefore, during growth, it mainly obtains nutrients for growth through Armillaria mellea, so before introduction we must first cultivate Armillaria mellea well. Gastrodia elata is suitable for growing in plots where the previous crop was potatoes and other such crops, and it is relatively simple to manage. However, we need to control the temperature at around 15-25 degrees, with its optimal growth temperature at around 22 degrees. Field humidity should also be maintained at around 80%, soil moisture at around 52%, and slightly acidic soil should be chosen.

2. Introduction time

Since Gastrodia elata is more suitable for growing in a cool environment, it is best to choose spring and autumn for introduction. The temperatures in these two seasons are relatively suitable for the growth of Gastrodia elata, but the specific introduction time should also be determined according to the planting region. For example, in the north, it is generally better to cultivate around January to March each spring. The introduction time is very important to the growth of Gastrodia elata. If the time is unsuitable, at best it will reduce the yield and quality of Gastrodia elata. At worst, it will cause poor growth and all of them to die, so everyone should pay close attention.

3. Cultivating Armillaria mellea

As just mentioned, the growth and nutrient uptake of Gastrodia elata mainly depend on Armillaria mellea. Therefore, before introducing Gastrodia elata, we also need to cultivate robust Armillaria mellea. Usually, three months before introduction, purchase high-quality Armillaria mellea tube stock mother cultures, and then cultivate them into planting fungal material. The main purpose is to cultivate the Armillaria mellea mother culture into a culture medium, and after successful cultivation, carry out introduction and planting. Alternatively, purchase cultivated mother cultures within one month, and the time needed to cultivate them into fungal material will be greatly shortened, and the technical difficulty of cultivation will also decrease.

4. Field management

Although Gastrodia elata has low nutrient requirements and relatively extensive management, this is only in terms of nutrients. After successful introduction, keep the surrounding environment moist, and maintain the soil water content at around 50%. If there is long-term dry weather, then water in time as well to avoid water shortage and drought in Gastrodia elata. However, water should not be excessive either. When there is too much, pay attention to drainage to prevent infection by miscellaneous fungi. Also pay attention to the prevention and control of harmful organisms such as rats and ants. In summer, shade management should also be done well, and the temperature must not exceed 27 degrees.

Finally, after introduction, fill the gaps between the fungal material with disinfected soil, and fully disinfect the fungal material to avoid infecting Gastrodia elata. When pests such as termites are encountered, kill them in time, and substances such as lime powder can be used to eliminate them. That is all for today's introduction. This article is for reference only. Thank you everyone for reading and supporting.