Key Points and Precautions of Eucommia Ring-Barking Technology Explained
Eucommia is a traditional Chinese medicinal material in our country. It is the dried bark of Eucommia ulmoides, and as a medicine it has the effects of tonifying the liver and kidneys, strengthening the bones and muscles, and preventing miscarriage, and it has extremely high economic value. When harvesting, its bark is ring-barked, and today the ring-barking regeneration method is used, which can increase yield. Let's take a look at the detailed introduction below.
1. Barking time
The best time for barking Eucommia is when the temperature is around 25-30 and the relative air humidity is 70%-90%, that is, barking is carried out in May-June. During this period, the temperature is extremely high and stable, and there is more rain, the air humidity is relatively high, and the leaves of the Eucommia plant are fully spread out, making it the best time for barking.
2. Ring-barking method
First, make a horizontal cut around the trunk at the branching point, then make a vertical cut perpendicular to it in a T shape. Pay attention to the length of the vertical cut. Generally, when the vertical cut reaches about 20 cm from the ground, make another horizontal cut around it. The depth of the cut must be controlled properly, cutting through the phloem only without damaging the xylem. At this time, lift the vertical cut seam with the tip of a knife, tear with one hand while prying, and at the same time cut off the connected bark until barking is completed. During the barking process, do not touch the trunk after barking with your hands or tools, so as to avoid mechanical damage.
3. Protective measures
After ring-barking, protective measures should be taken to speed up the regeneration of new bark. Generally, after ring-barking, an air humidity above 80% is favorable for the regeneration of new bark. After barking, wrap the barked area well with transparent film. The overlapping opening of the film should be tied tightly to prevent it from being dried out by wind, and the upper and lower ends should also be tied with ropes, tighter at the top and looser at the bottom.
4. Precautions
When ring-barking, it is advisable to choose Eucommia trees that have grown for more than 10 years and are growing vigorously. Trees that are weak or growing poorly should not be ring-barked. The ring-barking length should not exceed 1 m, so as to avoid inhibiting the normal growth of the plant. Avoid rainy days when ring-barking, so as to prevent the ring-barking wound from failing to heal for a long time and becoming moldy, unable to form new bark, affecting bark regeneration, and in severe cases leading to tree death. It is best to choose cloudy weather without rain for ring-barking. When ring-barking, also be careful never to damage the cambium of the trunk.
The above is an introduction to Eucommia ring-barking technology and precautions. I hope it can help you. To learn more related knowledge, please follow us.