Detailed Explanation of Key Field Management Techniques for Luo Han Guo
Luo Han Guo (Siraitia grosvenorii) is known as the "immortal fruit" and is one of the commonly used traditional Chinese medicinal herbs in China, with effects such as relieving cough and cooling the blood. In addition to being widely used for medicinal purposes in China, it is also one of China's most important exported traditional Chinese medicinal materials. Moreover, as people increasingly pay attention to the effects of traditional Chinese medicine, the development of the traditional Chinese medicine industry will become faster and faster, and the demand for Luo Han Guo will also grow larger and larger. After planting, a series of management methods are still needed. Today, the editor brings you the field management methods for Luo Han Guo after planting.
1. Building trellises and supporting vines
Luo Han Guo is a vine plant, so during its growth it needs a trellis to climb on in order for it to grow smoothly. After successful planting, trellis construction can begin. The trellis is generally supported by bamboo or wood, with a height generally between 1.5-2 m. An appropriate amount of bamboo or branches should be laid on top of the trellis, and then a small bamboo pole should be inserted beside the plant. This provides a climbing support point for the plant. When the seedling grows to about 20 cm, remove the side branches on the vine stem, leaving only the main vine. The purpose is to allow the main vine to grow quickly. When it grows to 30 cm, tie the main vine to the bamboo pole and manually help it climb onto the trellis. If it falls down, promptly lift it back up to support vine growth.
2. Weeding and topdressing
Weeding and topdressing for Luo Han Guo are very important. Fertilization should be done at least three times a year. The first time is around April, when the seedlings grow to 30 cm, apply a thin farmyard manure as a topdressing. The second time is in May after the main vine has successfully climbed onto the trellis, apply fully decomposed barnyard manure and peanut bran. The third time is around September, during the flowering and fruiting period of Luo Han Guo, apply a mixed fertilizer once every 1-2 weeks, mainly potassium fertilizer, to promote fruit growth and expansion. On hillsides, dig trenches about 30 cm from the tubers and apply fertilizer there. Be sure not to apply fertilizer directly on the tubers.
3. Artificial pollination
The success rate of natural pollination in Luo Han Guo is relatively low, so artificial pollination is needed. Artificial pollination is also an important measure in the growth of Luo Han Guo, as it can effectively increase the fruit-setting rate of the plant and increase yield. In summer when Luo Han Guo blooms, pick the opened male flowers every morning, then gently scrape the pollen with a cotton swab or bamboo stick, and then dab the pollen onto the stigma of the female flower. Be careful not to use too much force, so as not to damage the stigma of the female flower. One male flower can pollinate about 10-20 female flowers. Pollination work should not be delayed until noon, as pollination results in the noon and afternoon will become poorer. Also, the pollen must be used up on the same day.
4. Overwintering management
After the Start of Winter, overwintering preparations for Luo Han Guo should be made immediately. First, cut the base of the main vine with a knife at a position about 10 cm. Gently press the vine down, and apply fully decomposed cattle pen manure to the root crown. Mix the manure and soil thoroughly, then apply this around the root crown at a distance of about 40 cm as insulation fertilizer. The vine and tubers should be buried in the soil. If encountered with snow and wind weather, cover with plastic film with air holes left in it to keep warm and prevent freezing, and clear the orchard drainage ditches to prevent water accumulation and root rot.
The above are the field management tasks that need to be done well during the process of planting Luo Han Guo. In particular, note that when carrying out overwintering management, the main vine must not be directly broken off or twisted off at the junction with the tuber, otherwise it will have no effect at all. Also, in winter, remove the dead vines on top of the trellis, handle them in a centralized manner, disinfect the orchard, eliminate potential overwintering pests, and reduce sources of insects and disease for the coming year.