Planting Techniques and Management Methods for Gambir Vine (Uncaria rhynchophylla)
Gambir vine, also known as Gouding, Diaoteng, Yingzhuafeng, Daoguaci, etc., is an evergreen climbing plant. Its stems and branches can be used as medicine, having the effects of clearing heat and calming the liver, extinguishing wind and stopping convulsions. It is an important medicine in pediatric traditional Chinese medicine and has a long history of application. At present, market demand is increasing day by day, but wild resources are severely decreasing, so it is cultivated domestically in many areas. So how should gambir vine be planted? Let's take a look together.
1. Site Selection and Land Preparation
Gambir vine has strong adaptability and does not have strict requirements for soil. It can grow normally in general soil, but grows better in deep, fertile, loose loam. After selecting the site, plow the plot deeply, break up the soil clods, rake it fine, apply base fertilizer, and make beds with a width of 1-1.2 m. For field planting, hillsides or forest areas can be chosen. Before planting, dig holes at a row spacing of 3 m, and apply decomposed farmyard manure as base fertilizer in each hole.
2. Propagation Methods
Gambir vine can be propagated by three methods: seeds, cuttings, and division. For seed propagation, collect mature seeds in autumn and sow them immediately after collection. Open furrows on the bed surface at a row spacing of 12-15 cm, evenly scatter the seeds into the furrows, and then cover with a layer of ash soil and fine soil. For division propagation, it should be done in spring when the plant is growing, and can be combined with intertillage. Dig and injure the root system to promote the root system to sprout adventitious buds. When the young buds grow into new plants, cut them off with the roots and replant them. Cuttings are generally taken in early March, which is the flower bud differentiation period. Cut 2-year-old branches with buds from the plant, with 2-3 strong buds per node, and insert them immediately after cutting.
3. Field Management
For those propagated by seeds, seedlings emerge in the spring of the following year, and weeds should be removed and the field cleaned in time. After cuttings survive, apply a thin fertilizer once a month. After planting, carry out intertillage, weeding, and earthing up in time. Gambir vine begins to sprout new branches around Qingming Festival, and by the Autumn Equinox, the top branches should be pruned to promote the plant to sprout new branches. After planting, apply thin fertilizer once every 40 days, and in winter cover with a layer of manure to help the plant overwinter.
4. Pest and Disease Control
The main disease of gambir vine is root rot, which mostly occurs at the seedling stage. When the disease occurs, the root system of the seedlings rots, and the stems and leaves gradually wither and die. The control method is to drain water in time to avoid soil waterlogging inducing the disease. Remove diseased plants in time when found, sprinkle lime powder on the diseased holes for disinfection, or spray carbendazim comprehensively for control to prevent the disease from spreading. Pests include aphids and stem borers. Aphids can be controlled with dimethoate, and stem borers can be controlled by spraying trichlorfon.
The above introduction to gambir vine planting techniques is hoped to be helpful to you. To learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.