What are the propagation methods for kudzu? A detailed explanation of high-yield cultivation techniques

Kudzu is a crop with very high economic value, and it can be grown in most parts of our country. It can be eaten raw or made into kudzu powder, so what propagation methods does kudzu have? What are the high-yield cultivation techniques?

1. What propagation methods does kudzu have?

1. Seed propagation

In September-October each year, when the pods mature, collect the pods, dry them in the sun and thresh them, remove impurities, and keep the seeds in storage for later use. In the spring of the following year, when the temperature rises, choose a suitable time to prepare for sowing. First choose a sandy loam soil with deep soil layers and good drainage, apply base fertilizer while preparing the land, and then sow. Sowing can be done in holes or in drills. When sowing, pay attention to the sowing density, and thin the seedlings in time after emergence. Combine with intertillage and weeding, and when the seedlings grow to a certain extent, transplant them at the right time.

2. Cutting propagation

For cutting propagation, select vigorous kudzu vines that have grown for 1-2 years on the mother plant, cut them into sections with every 2-3 stem nodes, and insert them into loose, moist soil or fine sand. Using their regenerative ability, they can take root after about one month, and soon form new plants. Because cuttings are in short supply, this method is not suitable for large-scale propagation of seedlings, and its disease resistance is relatively weak, making it very easy to accumulate a large number of viruses, causing variety degeneration of kudzu and reducing yield and quality.

3. Root head propagation

Root head propagation, as the name suggests, uses the underground rhizome of kudzu for propagation. When digging and harvesting in winter, cut off about 10 cm of the root head from vigorous roots and plant it directly into the production field. After the spring of the following year, new seedlings can grow. When the seedlings grow to a certain extent, transplant them to the planting field in time.

4. Layering propagation

Layering propagation is somewhat similar to cutting propagation. It is generally carried out in summer. When the plants grow luxuriantly in summer, select vigorous, disease-free kudzu vines, and at every 1-2 nodes, loosen the soil under the nodes, pile soil over the nodes, and press the nodes into the soil. The stem nodes buried in the soil can be cut with a knife in several places. Water during drought to facilitate rooting as much as possible. After rooting, apply thin fertilizer water in time and remove weeds. After the following spring when shoots emerge, cut them off to become individual plants, then lift the seedlings and transplant them.

2. High-yield cultivation techniques

1. Land selection and land preparation

To obtain high yield, the first requirement is loose, fertile soil, deep soil layers, and good drainage, such as humus soil or sandy loam, with a pH value between 6-8. The planting site should also be close to a water source, have sufficient sunlight, and be far from industrial pollution areas. After selecting the planting site, prepare the land early, plow the soil and let it weather to improve soil fertility, then dig planting trenches according to the terrain, requiring the trenches to be 50-60 cm deep and wide. During land preparation, clear weeds and residual plants from the plot, kill pests, and reduce insect damage. Because kudzu has a long growth cycle and must be planted for 2-3 years before harvest, sufficient base fertilizer should be applied. Generally, apply 4000-5000 [units] of decomposed organic fertilizer, 15-20 kg of ternary compound fertilizer, and 10-20 kg of phosphate fertilizer per mu. Apply them into the planting trenches, then backfill 20-30 cm of topsoil and mix the fertilizer and soil evenly.

2. Select improved varieties

When planting, improved varieties must be selected according to local soil, climate, and use, so as to increase yield and meet processing purposes. For example, if it is used to make kudzu powder, varieties with high starch content should be selected; if it is used for medicinal purposes as a raw material for medicine, varieties with higher flavonoid content should be selected. Choosing different varieties for different uses is the way to maximize benefits.

3. Field management

Kudzu is a fertilizer-tolerant plant and needs multiple fertilizer applications throughout the growth period. The first time is when the seedlings grow to 25-30 cm, applying 3-5 kg of manure water per plant. After that, topdress once every 30-45 days, specifically according to the actual condition of the plants. Kudzu has extremely strong sprouting ability. When the seedlings grow to 15-20 cm, thin them in time, leaving 1-2 strong seedlings per hole. When combining with the first fertilizer application, set up trellises and guide the vines to increase air and light penetration among the plants. When the seedlings grow to 2 m, pinch the tips in time to promote more branching and enhance photosynthesis. When there are too many leaves, it will affect photosynthesis and also consume a large amount of nutrients. At this time, remove leaves in time, which is beneficial to root tuber growth and expansion and increases yield.

4. Pests and diseases

Pests and diseases are also one of the factors harming kudzu yield. Common diseases include yellow powdery disease and root rot, and insect pests include stem borers, locusts, and aphids. For the prevention and control of pests and diseases, prevention should be the main approach, with integrated control. Methods such as crop rotation, soil disinfection, intertillage and weeding, pruning and vine training, and increased fertilizer application can promote strong kudzu growth, increase its disease resistance and stress resistance, and reduce pests and diseases. Pest and disease control must be timely. After discovering pests and diseases, spray pesticides promptly for control.