Detailed Explanation of Pre-Sowing Treatment Methods for Atractylodes macrocephala Seeds

Atractylodes macrocephalais the dried rhizome of the plant Atractylodes macrocephala of the Asteraceae family. This product is mainly produced in Zhejiang, Anhui, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangxi and other places. It is sown every year in March to April. Before sowing, select plump seeds free of pests and diseases, soak them in warm water at 25°C to 30°C for 24 hours, remove them and place them in a winnowing basket in a wind-sheltered spot indoors, keeping them moist, and sow after the seeds begin to germinate and show white dots. The method is to open shallow furrows on the prepared nursery seedbed at a furrow-center spacing of 20 cm, with a sowing spacing of about 10 cm, sow the seeds evenly into the furrows, scatter a layer of plant ash, then cover the seedbed surface with fine soil, and finally cover with a layer of rice straw, watering frequently to keep the seedbed surface moist; after 10 to 15 days the seedlings will emerge one after another.