Key Technical Points for Summer and Autumn Cultivation and Management of Gastrodia elata
Summer and autumn are the periods when Gastrodia elata enters vigorous growth and maturity, and they are also the critical periods for its production management. If neglected or managed improperly, the yield and quality of Gastrodia elata will be seriously affected.
1. Drainage ditches for moisture removal. When Gastrodia elata enters the vigorous growth period, it is time to start checking whether the drainage ditches at the cultivation site are waterlogged and unobstructed. Soil moisture content can be kept at 60-65%. The three months of July, August and September are the period when Gastrodia elata needs the most water. During this time, the drainage ditches must be checked and cleared in a timely manner to avoid waterlogging.
2. Technical measures for mulching to retain moisture and lower temperature. Broadleaf tree fallen leaves (leaves of pine, cypress, camphor, etc. are also acceptable) and grasses can be used as mulch, with thatch grass being the best; rice straw, corn stalks and the like can also be used.
3. Weeding and drought resistance. In summer and autumn, if drought occurs, weeds will evaporate a large amount of water, further worsening the drought and causing a water shortage for Armillaria mushroom logs and Gastrodia elata.
4. Applying pesticides to prevent diseases and pests. The prevention and control of Gastrodia elata diseases and pests mainly adopts integrated control methods. For example, replace the "three olds" (old culture material, old seed tubers, old planting pits) with the "three news" (new culture material, new seed tubers, new planting pits). If termites and other pests are found during inspection, trapping and killing methods should be used to eliminate them. For example, bury pine wood at the edges of cultivation trenches or boxes to attract termites to gather, then apply pesticide to kill them.
5. Adding nutrients to increase yield. During the growth period, Gastrodia elata generally does not need nutrient application. In recent years, some people have poured potato liquid into the planting holes of Gastrodia elata and found that it can increase yield by 10-15%.