STUDY ON PLANTING TECHNIQUE AND PRELIMINARY PROCESSING OF MEDICINAL HERBS (Dioscorea collettii Hook.f.)

Abstract

Yellow ginger (Dioscorea collettii Hook.f.) a species of the genus Dioscorea, is recognized as a valuable source of food and medicinal materials; however, its cultivation practices have not yet been systematically investigated. Our research aims to develop a technical process for planting Yellow ginger in Phong Tho commune, Lai Chau province, contributing to the conservation and development of the genetic resources of this threat predictions medicinal plant. The results show that the planting season from February to May is all suitable for the growth and development of Yellow ginger in Phong Tho commune, Lai Chau province. A planting density of 50,000 plants per hectare, along with 5 tons of microbial organic fertilizer, 110 kg of nitrogen (N), 200 kg of phosphorus (P₂O₅), and 110 kg of potassium (K₂O), is most suitable for Yellow ginger cultivation, with an actual yield of 4.64 tons per hectare. When planted in Phong Tho commune, Lai Chau province, Yellow ginger is affected by gray worms, root collar disease, and nodule nematodes, which cause damage at a local and uncommon level. The most suitable method for preliminary processing of Yellow ginger Rhizomes  is cold drying, which results in a diosgenin content of 2.62%, and an extract amount of 18.7%. The quality of the medicinal herbs remains preserved after 9 months of cold storage in vacuum PP packaging bags, with an extract content of 18.1% and diosgenin content of 2.52% after storage.