What are the precautions for introducing Gastrodia elata? Growers need to know in advance
Gastrodia elata is a very traditional Chinese medicinal herb in China, and it has a very wide planting area in China. In addition, Gastrodia elata has no roots or leaves, so nutrient uptake is relatively difficult. Therefore, when growing Gastrodia elata, introduction and cultivation are mainly used, and because of the special characteristics of Gastrodia elata, there are many things we need to pay attention to when introducing it. So today, the editor brings you the precautions for introducing Gastrodia elata. Let's take a look below!
1. Suitable growing environment
As just mentioned, Gastrodia elata is a crop without roots or leaves, and because it has no leaves, it cannot carry out photosynthesis. Therefore, during growth, it mainly obtains nutrients for growth through Armillaria mellea, so before introducing it, we must first cultivate Armillaria mellea well. Gastrodia elata is suitable for growing in plots where the previous crop was potatoes and other such crops, and it is relatively simple to manage. However, we need to control the temperature at around 15-25°C, with the optimal growth temperature at around 22°C; the field humidity should also be maintained at around 80%, the soil moisture at around 52%, and slightly acidic soil should be chosen.
2. Introduction time
Because Gastrodia elata is more suitable for growing in a cool environment, it is best to choose spring and autumn when introducing it. The temperatures in these two seasons are relatively suitable for the growth of Gastrodia elata, but the specific introduction time should also be determined according to the planting region. For example, in the north, it is generally better to cultivate around January to March each spring. The introduction time is very important to the growth of Gastrodia elata. If the time is unsuitable, at best it will reduce the yield and quality of Gastrodia elata. At worst, it will cause poor growth and even complete death of Gastrodia elata, so everyone should pay close attention.
3. Cultivating Armillaria mellea
As just mentioned, the growth and nutrient uptake of Gastrodia elata mainly depend on Armillaria mellea. Therefore, before introducing Gastrodia elata, we also need to cultivate robust Armillaria mellea. Usually, three months before introduction, buy high-quality Armillaria mellea test-tube mother spawn, and then cultivate it into planting spawn material. The main purpose is to cultivate the Armillaria mellea mother spawn into a culture medium, and after successful cultivation, carry out introduction and planting. Alternatively, buy cultivated mother spawn one month in advance, and the time needed to cultivate it into spawn material will be greatly shortened, and the technical difficulty of cultivation will also decrease.
4. Field management
Although Gastrodia elata has low nutrient requirements and is relatively extensively managed, this is only in terms of nutrients. After successful introduction, keep the surrounding environment moist, and maintain the soil water content at around 50%. If there is long-term dry weather, then water in time as well to avoid water shortage and drought in Gastrodia elata. However, the water should not be excessive either; when there is too much water, pay attention to drainage to prevent infection by miscellaneous bacteria. Also pay attention to doing a good job in preventing and controlling harmful organisms such as rats and ants. In summer, also do a good job in shade management, and the temperature must not exceed 27°C.
Finally, after introduction, fill the gaps between the spawn material with sterilized soil, and thoroughly disinfect the spawn material to avoid infecting Gastrodia elata. When encountering pests such as termites, kill them in time, and substances such as lime powder can be used to eliminate them. That is all for today's introduction. This article is for reference only. Thank you for reading and supporting.