Detailed Explanation of Key Field Management Techniques for Isatis Root

Isatis root, also called woad root, is mainly grown for its roots, which are used in medicine. It has strong adaptability and can grow in various places. It has a long history of cultivation and is a perennial herbaceous plant. Growers have relatively rich experience with isatis root and have accumulated and passed on much knowledge about management after planting. The following will explain how to manage isatis root well when growing it in the field.

I. Cultivation and Weeding

After planting, cultivation should be carried out once every relatively long period of time, because over time, human trampling or excessive weed growth can compact the soil, and after rain, the soil can become compacted and hardened, all of which can affect root growth. Therefore, cultivation must be done regularly, and weeds found during cultivation must be pulled out to avoid competition for nutrients.

II. Thinning and Transplanting Seedlings

Generally, seedlings should first be raised and then transplanted into the field, so during the seedling stage, after the seedlings emerge completely, an inspection should be carried out to remove diseased seedlings and yellowed, weak seedlings. Then, seedlings that are too dense should be transplanted to a new seedbed to continue growing. Finally, when the seedlings grow to about 6 cm, they can be transplanted to the main planting area in batches.

III. Topdressing and Water Control

Topdressing is generally applied when watering after transplanting the seedlings into the field, after a period of recovery. Usually, mild manure water can be applied. Urea can also be applied in furrows between rows, and the urea must be covered with soil, with about 25 jin applied per mu. Afterward, it is mainly used when harvesting leaves, about two times, mainly applying compound farmyard manure. Or wood ash together with phosphorus and potassium fertilizers. Cutting leaves twice during the vigorous growth period is to inhibit vegetative growth, so nitrogen fertilizer should not be applied.

IV. Disease and Pest Prevention and Control

The main disease is downy mildew. Its main symptom is damage to the leaves, producing white mold-like growth on the underside of the leaves. No lesions can be seen, but in severe cases the plant withers. The main measure is to prevent excessive humidity, and then use chlorothalonil spray for control at the very beginning. The main pest is aphid larvae, which damage the leaves, gather in groups and eat the leaf mesophyll, leaving only the stems, causing leaves to curl and the plant to stop growing. Dimethoate emulsion is generally used for control.

Completing the above work means most of the tasks in isatis root cultivation and management have been finished. There may still be some unexpected situations that arise, and those also belong to our field management work. Field management work determines the final cultivation results.