A Detailed Guide to Achyranthes bidentata Seed Prices and Planting Methods
Achyranthes bidentata, also known as Huai Niu Xi, Niu Ke Xi, Shan Xian Cai, and other names, is a perennial herbaceous plant of the Amaranthaceae family, genus Achyranthes. It is widely distributed throughout China except in the Northeast, and often grows on hillsides and under forest canopies. Its root is used as medicine and has effects such as removing blood stasis and unblocking menstruation, tonifying the liver and kidneys, strengthening bones and muscles, promoting diuresis and treating strangury, and guiding blood downward. Below, let us take a look at Achyranthes bidentata seed prices and planting methods.
How much does Achyranthes bidentata seed cost per jin?
The price of Achyranthes bidentata seeds is about 40 to 60 yuan per jin, but prices vary greatly depending on seed quality, variety, place of origin, and market conditions. Achyranthes bidentata is a deep-rooted crop with strong adaptability and no strict requirements for the previous crop. It can be planted in general soil, but saline-alkali land, heavy clay land, waterlogged lowland, and plots with thin soil layers should not be selected. In production, seed propagation is used, and the usual seeding rate is about 4 jin per mu.
Sowing methods for Achyranthes bidentata
1. Soil selection: Achyranthes bidentata has no strict soil requirements. Except for clay soil and saline-alkali soil, it can generally be planted in most soils, but for high yield, production usually selects warm and humid climate areas with loose, fertile, well-drained sandy loam and yellow soil.
2. Land preparation and fertilization: For the Achyranthes bidentata planting plot, apply 5000 kg of barnyard manure or farmyard manure per mu plus 25 to 40 kg of superphosphate. After deep plowing and slight leveling, open furrows, pour enough water along the furrows so the soil is fully moistened, and after the ground surface dries slightly, fill it level, rake it fine, and make beds.
3. Timely sowing: Achyranthes bidentata is usually sown around the middle of the sixth lunar month. On rainy days, simply scatter the seeds evenly over the bed surface and cover with soil. In dry weather with no rain, the seeds should first be soaked in clean water to promote germination before sowing. After sowing, the soil must absolutely not be allowed to dry out.
Planting methods for Achyranthes bidentata
1. Cultivation and thinning: Achyranthes bidentata generally emerges 7 to 10 days after sowing. When the seedlings are 2 to 3 cm tall, use a hand hoe to cultivate and loosen the soil, and at the same time thin the seedlings and remove weeds. When the seedlings are 3 to 4 cm tall, keep plants at a spacing of 3 cm. When the seedlings are 6 cm tall, establish the final stand at a spacing of 9 cm.
2. Reasonable watering: Achyranthes bidentata seedlings are afraid of waterlogging. After the seedlings emerge completely, watering can be stopped. From the seedling stage to mid-August, water as little as possible or not at all to encourage root growth downward. After late August, the amount of watering should be increased to promote thickening of the main root.
3. Topping to promote root growth: About 1 month after sowing, axillary buds appear on the plants and should be removed when necessary, generally 3 to 4 times. When the plants are 40 to 50 cm tall and terminal inflorescences appear, cut them off promptly. Topping helps improve both yield and quality.
4. Timely topdressing: During the growth period of Achyranthes bidentata, topdress 1 to 2 times, mainly with phosphorus and potassium fertilizers. Generally, no topdressing is applied in the early stage. When the plants grow to 25 cm tall, apply 4 to 5 kg of monoammonium phosphate, 10 kg of urea, and 2 to 3 kg of dihydrogen phosphate per mu.
5. Timely harvest: Achyranthes bidentata is generally harvested around Frost's Descent when the aboveground leaves wither. If harvested too early, the roots are not plump and yield is low; if too late, the roots easily become lignified or freeze, affecting quality. Generally, the yield is about 3000 to 3750 kg of dried goods per hectare.
Pest and disease control for Achyranthes bidentata
1. Leaf spot disease
[Damage] It harms the leaves and mostly occurs in rainy summer seasons. Affected leaves develop yellow-brown lesions, and in severe cases the entire leaf turns gray-brown and dies.
[Control] Clean the field before harvest and dispose of diseased residues and plants in a centralized manner. In the early stage of the disease, spray 1:1:120 Bordeaux mixture or 65% amobam 500-fold solution, once every 10 to 15 days, for 2 to 3 consecutive applications.
2. Root rot
[Damage] It mostly occurs in hot, rainy seasons and in low-lying waterlogged areas. After onset, the underground roots become brown, water-soaked, and rot, while the aboveground parts wither and die.
[Control] Choose well-drained plots and plant on high beds. Pay attention to drainage during the rainy season. During land preparation, treat the soil with 1 kg of 50% carbendazim per mu. Pull out diseased plants or disinfect diseased holes with lime, and a 500-fold solution of 50% carbendazim can also be used to irrigate affected areas.
3. Silver Y moth
[Damage] The larvae harm the plants, biting the leaves into holes or notches.
[Control] Handpick and kill the larvae, or spray with 90% trichlorfon 1000 to 1500-fold solution, or add 40% dimethoate 2000-fold solution for spraying.
4. Red spider mite
[Damage] It generally occurs and causes damage from June to July, with severe damage during drought. Adults suck sap on the underside of leaves, causing diseased leaves to dry up and fall off.
[Control] Remove weeds and eliminate overwintering pests. When infestation occurs, spray with 25% chlordimeform aqueous solution 500-fold, or spray with 40% dimethoate 1000 to 1500-fold solution.