How to Grow Japanese Knotweed (Hu Zhang)? Latest Planting Techniques and Methods Tutorial
Japanese knotweed (Hu Zhang, Polygonum cuspidatum) is a perennial herb of the genus Polygonum in the buckwheat family (Polygonaceae). Its rhizome can be used medicinally and has effects such as activating blood circulation, dispersing blood stasis, dredging meridians, and relieving cough. It is widely used in daily life and is one of the raw materials for many Chinese patent medicines. At present, it is cultivated artificially in various places. Below, follow the editor to take a look at its planting techniques.
1. Site selection and land preparation
Japanese knotweed has a well-developed root system and strong cold and drought tolerance, and it has low requirements for soil. However, it is not suitable for planting in low-lying, waterlogged land. After selecting the planting site, first plow the soil 20-25 cm deep, remove larger stones, break up large clods of soil, and then apply 1500-2000 kg of fully decomposed farmyard manure per mu as base fertilizer. After fertilizing, mix it evenly with the 5-10 cm soil layer, then make raised beds, requiring the beds to be 15-20 cm high and 50-55 cm wide.
2. Propagation methods
Japanese knotweed propagation methods are generally seeds and rhizomes, but seed propagation takes a long time from sowing to harvest, and the seed germination rate is relatively low, with slow propagation speed, so rhizome propagation is mostly used in production. Rhizome propagation also has the characteristics of easily available materials, easy survival after transplanting, and quick results. Dig out the plant's root system, divide it into several sections, and each section should have 2-3 bud eyes. Then open holes or furrows on the bed surface for planting, and after planting, cover with soil and water.
3. Field management
⟦NL>After the seedlings emerge, as the temperature rises, their growth rate will also accelerate. At this time, weed control must be done well, and intertillage should be done in combination with weeding. When the seedlings grow to a certain extent, thinning and replanting should be done in time to increase ventilation and light transmission between plants, so as to avoid overly dense growth that affects seedling growth and can also easily induce pests and diseases. Scientific fertilization is a key measure for high yield of Japanese knotweed, so after planting, fertilizers should be applied in time according to the soil fertility status. Generally, quick-acting fertilizers can be applied 1-3 times in combination with intertillage and weeding, together with an appropriate amount of trace element fertilizers.
4. Pest and disease control
Japanese knotweed has extremely strong disease resistance, and there is no disease at the base during cultivation. Mainly insect pests affect yield and quality. Common insect pests include scarab beetles and leaf beetles. Scarab beetles occur in May, mainly gnawing on tender stem tips and leaves. In severe cases, they will eat all the leaves of the entire plant, and the speed is extremely fast. Manual capture and light trapping methods can be used for control, with an effect of more than 90%. Chlorinated dimethoate 2000-fold solution can also be sprayed to kill adults.
The above is an introduction to the planting techniques of Japanese knotweed. We hope it can help you. If you want to learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.