Technical points for cultivating Gastrodia elata with rice husk culture medium

Rice husk is a good "soil" ingredient for culturing Armillaria mellea and cultivating Gastrodia elata in plain areas. The "soil" it forms, namely the filler, is loose, well aerated, has good water permeability and is rich in nutrients, which is beneficial to the growth of Armillaria mellea. The rhizomorphs on the fungus branches and fungus wood cultured with it are thick and vigorous, and the Gastrodia elata cultivated with them grows well. The method is:

(1) Rice husk fungus substrate culture

Use 1 part rice husk and 1 part yellow sand (volume ratio 1:1) or 3 parts rice husk and 2 parts yellow sand, add water and mix thoroughly, humidity 40%, as the substrate culture material for culturing Armillaria mellea.

Fungus wood culture: first spread a 1-2 cm thick layer of the rice husk and yellow sand mixed culture material on the bottom of the fungus bed, place 2 pieces of new wood and 1 piece of Armillaria mellea spawn wood on top, laid side by side alternately to fill the bed, then cover with about 3 cm thick culture material, level it and fill the gaps. In this way, 3-5 layers can be stacked per pit, or fungus branches and new wood can be used alternately for culture; if a fixed fungus bed is used, 2-3 layers are sufficient. To prevent the rice husk on the surface of the fungus bed from being washed away during watering and to reduce water evaporation, an additional layer of about 1.5 cm thick sand or sandy soil can be added to the bed surface. After culturing, water thoroughly once, then strengthen management, maintain sufficient humidity in the pit, and at a temperature of 20-26°C, after 25-30 days, the new wood will be covered with rhizomorphs. Culturing fungi by this method results in fast fungal growth, thick and vigorous rhizomorphs, and no contamination by miscellaneous fungi; at the same time, materials are obtained locally, making it economical and convenient.

(2) Cultivating Gastrodia elata with rice husk

When cultivating Gastrodia elata, the filler originally used for culturing fungi can continue to be used, or a new mix can be prepared by the above method. However, the amount of water used should be slightly less, so that when the mix is squeezed tightly, water can just be seen between the fingers. If there is too much water, it is harmful to the planted Gastrodia elata; if there is too little water, it is unfavorable to fungal growth and affects the growth of Gastrodia elata. The specific planting method is the same as other planting methods. However, the edges of the pit or box must be filled firmly to maintain humidity and prevent contamination by miscellaneous fungi. When rice husk is used to cultivate Gastrodia elata, as long as management is good, the fungus wood grows fungi quickly, establishes a relationship with the planted Gastrodia elata early, and the Gastrodia elata grows normally, and ideal results can likewise be achieved.

(3) Management measures for culturing fungi and cultivating Gastrodia elata with rice husk

Because the filler made of rice husk and yellow sand is very loose and has poor water retention, in addition to covering the pit or box surface with a layer of sand or soil when culturing fungi and planting Gastrodia elata, the number of waterings should be appropriately increased. Especially in the season of vigorous growth of Gastrodia elata, when it needs more water; if it is the dry season, with low air humidity and high evaporation, watering should be done in a timely manner. When watering, water lightly and frequently, and avoid pouring large amounts of water, as this is beneficial to the growth of Armillaria mellea and Gastrodia elata, and the yield of Gastrodia elata will be high; conversely, if the humidity is too low, it will affect the growth of both and reduce the yield of Gastrodia elata.