How to propagate butterbur (Petasites japonicus) by sowing? Its uses and pest and disease control methods

Butterbur, also known as winter flower and coltsfoot, so how do you propagate butterbur by sowing? What uses does it have? Pests, diseases and their control? According to available information, butterbur is a plant that likes a cool, shady environment and requires somewhat humid air. When choosing soil, generally choose loose, fertile soil, and be careful not to let it get too dry. When growing butterbur, maintain an appropriate temperature, but in summer the temperature should not be too high - be careful not to exceed 35°C. When planting, fertilizer needs to be applied in advance so that it grows better.

I. How do you propagate butterbur by sowing?

Soil

When cultivating butterbur, choose a semi-shaded, semi-sunny, moist, slightly acidic sandy loam rich in humus, with good soil drainage. After choosing the cultivation site, you can apply base fertilizer and deeply plow and finely level the soil.

Intertillage and weeding

When sowing in spring, seedlings will emerge around early April; when carrying out the first intertillage and weeding, you can replant seedlings at the same time. At this time the root system of the seedlings grows relatively slowly, so loosen the soil shallowly to avoid damaging the seedlings' roots.

In June and July the seedlings have fully emerged and the root system has grown well, so the second intertillage can be carried out at this time.

In early September the above-ground stems and leaves of the plant gradually stop growing and the flower buds begin to differentiate, so the third intertillage can be carried out at this time, keeping the area free of weeds.

Thinning

After the seedlings fully emerge in late April and early May, thin them appropriately according to the emergence situation, keeping the strong seedlings and removing the weak plants.

Topdressing and earthing up

Butterbur does not need topdressing in the early stage of growth, to avoid excessive growth. In the later stage of growth, strengthen topdressing management; topdressing should be combined with loosening the soil, covering the fertilizer on one side and earthing up around the plant roots on the other, which can maintain the soil's fertilizer effect.

Watering

Butterbur fears both drought and waterlogging. During spring drought, water continuously two to three times, and when the rainy season arrives, be prepared for drainage.

Leaf pruning and ventilation

Butterbur's peak leaf period is from June to August; if the leaves are too dense and ventilation and light penetration are poor, this will affect the plant's flower bud differentiation and also lead to pests and diseases. At this time, clear away overlapping leaves; it is best to prune with scissors, and when tearing by hand, avoid damaging the base of the plant.

II. What uses does it have?

1. Detoxifying effect

First, it can eliminate some toxins in the body, can treat poisoning after snake bites, and expel harmful substances contained in the human body.

2. Bactericidal effect

Butterbur contains an element that can relieve spasms. Not only that, it can also eliminate some types of bacteria in the mouth, while promoting ciliary movement in the trachea, treating mucus secretion in the trachea, reducing the phenomenon of easy coughing with copious phlegm, and can also treat conditions such as bronchitis.

3. Pain-relieving effect

Butterbur is a cooling plant and tastes bitter, but it can help relieve toxins, clear bruises from the body, and eliminate swelling and pain caused by falls and injuries; it has a good effect on conditions such as tonsillitis and falls and injuries.

4. Anti-toxin effect

Butterbur contains a substance called caffeic acid, which can inhibit the reproduction of bacteria and weaken their activity, effectively treating acne on the face; not only that, it can also treat colds and inflammation. It has a relatively good controlling effect on pathogens such as Staphylococcus and Shigella. Moreover, it can also treat cataract symptoms caused by diabetes.

5. Contraindications

Although butterbur has many benefits, it cannot be used in all situations; for people with relatively deficient cold spleen and stomach and relatively loose stools, it is best not to use this plant too much.

III. Pests, diseases and their control?

Brown spot disease of butterbur and its control

Brown spot disease symptoms: Brown spot disease mainly harms the plant's leaves; the lesions on the leaves are round or nearly round, and summer is the concentrated period of onset.

Brown spot disease control: Remove diseased and residual infected plants; in the early stage of onset, spray with Bordeaux mixture, spraying once every seven to ten days, for several consecutive sprays.

Leaf blight of butterbur and its control

Leaf blight symptoms: It mainly harms the plant's leaves; the lesions extend inward from the leaf margin, and the lesions are black irregular spots. After the leaves are infected, they become brittle, causing partial or whole-leaf drying, and it can also spread to the leaf stalks.

Leaf blight control: Clear away infected withered leaves and spray with Bordeaux mixture.

Aphids of butterbur and their control

Aphid symptoms: Aphids suck the sap of the plant's stems and leaves, and in severe cases cause the stems and leaves to turn yellow.

Aphid control: In winter, clean the garden and deeply bury or burn dead plants and fallen leaves. In the early stage of onset, spray with fenitrothion, spraying once every seven to ten days.

Southern blight of butterbur and its control

Southern blight symptoms: Infected seedlings or mature plants develop water-soaked lesions at the rhizome; after the lesions spread, white small sclerotia form, gradually turning dark brown.

Southern blight control: Strengthen cultivation management and choose to plant in high, dry plots; carbendazim and thiophanate-methyl can be used for control.