Key Points of the Latest Cultivation Techniques for Isatis Root
We are no strangers to the term Isatis root, but we are actually not very familiar with this medicinal herb. Its stems, leaves, and roots can all be used as medicine, and some people also call it woad or da qing ye. It is mainly used to clear heat and detoxify, and to prevent colds, and it is grown in all parts of our country. So how do you grow Isatis root? Today let us take a look at its key cultivation techniques.
1. Deep plowing of the land
The land for planting Isatis root generally needs to be deep plowed at least about 30 cm. It is a deep-rooted plant and is suitable for growing in a warm, humid environment, but it also has the characteristics of being drought-resistant, cold-tolerant, afraid of waterlogging, and intolerant of standing water. Therefore, the place where Isatis root is planted generally has loose soil, is close to a water source but has good drainage conditions, and has sufficient soil fertility. Deep plow the land and combine it with fertilization. The base fertilizer is mainly farmyard manure, mixed evenly, and then water ditches are opened well, ready for planting.
2. Sowing time
Isatis root can be sown in the two seasons of spring and summer. Spring is generally around March or April, while summer is May or June, but in northern regions it is more suitable to plant in spring. Before sowing, we need to put the seeds into hot water of more than 40 degrees to scald them, and stir constantly so that they are heated evenly. After four hours, take them out, put them into plant ash and mix evenly, and then they can be sown. Sowing is generally done by drilling or dibbling. The row spacing is generally about 20 cm. Scatter the seeds evenly and cover them with soil. For dibbling, attention needs to be paid to the distance between each plant, generally about 8 cm is suitable.
3. Field management
About one week after sowing, the Isatis root will basically emerge. In about half a month, the Isatis root seedlings in the field will be fully emerged. If they still have not emerged after half a month, then you can only replant the seedlings. When the seedlings grow to about 6 to 7 cm tall, you can thin the seedlings, fill in missing seedlings, and even out the seedlings. Ensure the distance between each plant is about 6 to 8 cm, and at the same time leave two to three seedlings per plant. After the seedlings are established, cultivation and weeding are needed. It is generally not recommended to use chemical agents for weeding, as this will affect the quality of Isatis root. If the main purpose is to harvest Isatis root, then generally only three topdressings are needed each year, mainly urea, to promote the growth of the stems and leaves of Isatis root. But if the purpose is to harvest the roots, then on the basis of three topdressings, we also need one application of potassium fertilizer and phosphate fertilizer, and apply them together with plant ash, which can promote the thickening of the roots.
4. Control methods
The prevention and control of pests and diseases is a difficult point in the cultivation techniques of Isatis root, because it is a Chinese medicinal herb, and excessive use of chemical control will affect the quality of Isatis root. The main pests and diseases of Isatis root include downy mildew, leaf blight, root rot, and so on. Downy mildew generally begins to occur in March or April, and the peak period of occurrence is from June to August. We can prevent and control it by reducing moisture and controlling the amount of nitrogen fertilizer used, and when necessary use mancozeb for spray control. For leaf blight and root rot, carbendazim can be used for prevention and control. The most common insect pest is the cabbage butterfly, which mainly damages the leaf surface of Isatis root. The peak period of occurrence is around June, and pyrethroid pesticides can be used for spray killing.
The editor reminds everyone here that when planting, you must master the key points of cultivation. Secondly, when using chemical agents for prevention and control, it must not be done within half a month to one month before harvest, so as not to affect the quality.