Detailed Explanation of Key Points for High-Yield Cultivation Techniques of Hedyotis diffusa

Hedyotis diffusa, also known as sheshecao, shezhencao, erye, baihuashizicao, longshecao, heshedcao, etc. The whole plant is used medicinally, with effects of clearing heat and detoxifying, promoting diuresis and disinfection, activating blood and relieving pain. It mainly treats malignant tumors, appendicitis, hepatitis, bronchitis, tonsillitis, pharyngitis, urinary tract infections, pelvic inflammatory disease, adnexitis, etc. For external use, it treats sores, boils, swelling and pain, and venomous snake bites. It is especially effective against various cancers such as stomach cancer, esophageal cancer, intestinal cancer, uterine cancer, and nasopharyngeal cancer. It is mainly produced in Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Yunnan, Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Anhui and other provinces and regions.

Morphological Characteristics: It is an annual sprawling dwarf herb of the Rubiaceae family, with stems about 20 cm long, much branched, and the base slightly square-columnar. Leaves are simple, opposite, nearly sessile, papery, linear, 1~2 cm long or longer, entire, smooth on the upper surface, slightly rough on the lower surface, apex acute or acuminate; the midrib is sunken on the upper surface, lateral veins not obvious; stipules about 2 mm long, connate in the lower part, with 1~3 subulate lobes in the upper part. Flowers usually bloom in spring, white, solitary or sometimes paired in leaf axils; pedicels about 2~3 mm long; calyx tube spherical, about 1.5 mm long; limb 4-lobed, lobes oblong-lanceolate, 1.5~2 mm long; corolla tubular, about 4 mm long, limb 4-lobed, lobes ovate-oblong, about 2 mm long; stamens 4, inserted at the throat of the corolla; style slightly exserted, stigma 2-lobed. Capsule flattened spherical, 2~3 mm in diameter, topped with persistent calyx lobes, pericarp membranous, dehiscing loculicidally.

I. Growth Habits

Hedyotis diffusa prefers a warm and humid environment, and is afraid of drought and waterlogging. It has low requirements for soil, but loose, fertile sandy loam rich in organic matter is best; heavy clay and low-lying land are not suitable for planting.

II. Land Preparation and Fertilization

Select a field with high terrain and good drainage, and carry out intensive cultivation. In combination with land preparation, apply sufficient base fertilizer: 3000 kg of farmyard manure, 20 kg of urea, and 50 kg of phosphorus-potassium fertilizer per mu. Then make beds and wait for sowing.

III. Sowing

Hedyotis diffusa is propagated by seeds. It is carried out in two steps: raising seedlings and transplanting. Direct sowing is also possible. The sowing period is spring sowing. Seedling raising: Before sowing, first use a hoe to open shallow furrows on the prepared bed surface, then evenly scatter the seeds into the furrows, cover with soil and water to preserve moisture, so as to facilitate emergence. The sowing rate is 2 kg per mu. After the seedlings are full, strengthen field management, and transplant after autumn. Transplanting: After autumn, plant the Hedyotis diffusa seedlings on the prepared bed surface at a row spacing of 20×10 cm. Water to preserve moisture and facilitate survival. Direct sowing: Before sowing, first use a hoe to open shallow furrows on the prepared bed surface, then evenly scatter the seeds on the prepared bed surface, and use a rake turned over to level it so that the soil covers the seeds. Water to preserve moisture and facilitate emergence. The sowing rate is 1 kg per mu.

IV. Field Management

After the Hedyotis diffusa seedlings are full, pay attention to intertillage and weeding. Water immediately in dry weather, and drain promptly in rainy weather. In direct-sown fields, when the seedlings are 10 cm high, thin them to a row spacing of 20×10 cm. And apply topdressing once: apply 10 kg of urea and 10 kg of potassium dihydrogen phosphate per mu.

V. Pest and Disease Control

Hedyotis diffusa has few pests and diseases. If found, control them promptly by conventional methods. For underground pests, use phoxim mixed with poison bait to trap and kill them.

VI. Harvesting and Processing

Hedyotis diffusa should be harvested promptly after the fruits mature in autumn. Cut the mature Hedyotis diffusa at the root with a sickle, dry it in the sun, and it can be sold as medicine. The yield is 300 kg per mu.