How to prevent and control insect pests of Gastrodia elata? Sharing practical methods

The main insect pests of Gastrodia elata include white grubs, springtails, mole crickets, scale insects, termites, and others.

① White grubs and mole crickets: Within every 100 sq m, use 0.15 kg of 90% trichlorfon crystals or 50% phoxim, dilute with a small amount of water, mix with 10-15 kg of fine soil to make poisoned soil, and broadcast it.

② Springtails: Springtails are small in size and white in color. Higher humidity favors their occurrence, and they are most active at 20°C-25°C, reproducing 6-7 generations per year. They mainly bite and feed on the mycelial membrane inside the cortex of the fungus sticks, and also feed on Gastrodia elata stems and tubers, causing rotten holes in the tubers. During the peak occurrence period, spray or drench with an 800-1000 times dilution of dichlorvos solution or 0.1% derris extract solution, or fumigate with 4 tablets of aluminum phosphide per sq m.

③ Termites: In addition to damaging the fungus wood, termites also bore into and feed on the protocorms and tubers of Gastrodia elata. During the peak damage period, termite-killing powder can be used for poisoning.

④ Scale insects: Mainly mealybugs damage the tubers of Gastrodia elata. They are generally brought into the pit by fungus wood, fresh wood, and other trees. After damage, the growth of Gastrodia elata weakens and its quality declines. If damage occurs, the Gastrodia elata in that pit should be dug up promptly, all processed into commercial tubers for sale, and strictly forbidden to be kept for seed. The fungus wood in that pit should be burned to prevent spread.