A Detailed Guide to the Cultivation Techniques and Management Methods of Mosla
Mosla, also known as Wuxiangcai, is a perennial herb of the genus Mosla in the Lamiaceae family. It has the effects of inducing sweating and releasing the exterior, and resolving dampness and harmonizing the middle. It is mainly used to treat colds with fever, abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea. So how should Mosla be cultivated? Let's take a look together.
1. Site Selection and Land Preparation
Mosla has strong adaptability to soil and is not strict about soil requirements, but sandy loam soil that is loose in texture and well-drained is best for planting. Before planting, plow the soil so that it weathers fully, then apply base fertilizer according to the soil fertility status. Generally, 2000-2500 kg of decomposed barnyard manure or compost is applied per mu. After raking fine and leveling, make raised beds. The beds are required to be 1.2-1.5 m wide, 12-15 cm high, and the bed furrows 25-30 cm wide.
2. Sowing
The best sowing time is March-April in spring, and summer sowing can also be carried out in June. Sowing methods can include dibbling, drilling, and broadcasting. In production, drilling is generally preferred because it is convenient for management. Before sowing, mix the seeds evenly with plant ash. Choose to sow on a sunny or cloudy day. For dibbling, control the plant and row spacing at 3-5 cm × 3-5 cm; for drilling, open furrows at a row spacing of 25-30 cm and sow in rows, scattering the seeds evenly into the furrows. Note that the density should not be too high. After sowing, press lightly so that the seeds and soil are closely connected. Generally, 1.5-2 kg of seed is used per mu. After sowing, cover with a layer of fine soil or burnt soil ash, and sprouts will emerge in about one to two weeks.
3. Field Management
After the seedlings emerge, strengthen management. Once the seedlings are uniform, thin them promptly, keeping the strong and removing the weak, and control the plant spacing well. Generally, the first thinning is carried out when the seedlings grow to 5 cm, and afterward thinning is done according to the actual condition of the seedlings. After Mosla emerges, do a good job of weed control, pulling weeds as soon as they appear, so as to prevent weeds from seizing nutrients and space. When weeding, also carry out appropriate intertillage and loosening of the soil to promote root growth of the seedlings. Mosla has a relatively short growth period. To make it grow well, topdressing is indispensable. Topdressing should be mainly organic fertilizer, with reasonable application of inorganic fertilizer. Topdressing can be applied after the first thinning, with 4-5 kg of urea per mu; the second topdressing is applied at the heading stage, with 8-10 kg of urea per mu. Mosla likes moisture but is afraid of waterlogging. During the seedling stage, water should not be too much. If rainfall is excessive, drain promptly to avoid excessive water accumulation causing root rot of the seedlings. However, during drought, irrigate promptly to replenish water.
4. Pest and Disease Control
The main diseases of Mosla are root rot and rust. Root rot mainly harms the root system of the plant, while rust mainly harms the aboveground plant. At best, they affect the growth of Mosla; at worst, they cause plant death. Disease control methods should focus on prevention and integrated control. First, strengthen field management, thoroughly clean the garden in winter to reduce pathogens, deal with problems promptly when disease occurs, and spray chemicals for control. The main pest is the cutworm, whose larvae cause damage. In the early stage, they feed on tender leaves, and in the later stage they burrow into the soil surface and bite off tender stems, causing seedling death. During outbreaks, manual capture can be adopted, and during the larval stage, specialized insecticides can be sprayed.
The above is an introduction to the cultivation techniques of Mosla. We hope it helps you. To learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.