How to grow taro to get high yield?

Taro is not only a nutritious food, but also has high economic value and wide application. Taro can be eaten in many ways such as boiled, steamed, baked, stewed, etc. It can also be made into taro porridge, taro cakes, etc. So how to grow taro to get high yield?

1. Selection of sowing time

The growing period of taro is relatively long, and late-maturing varieties can reach 270 days. In order to provide sufficient growing period, this can be achieved through early sowing. The specific time for early sowing varies from region to region, but the basic principle is that sowing can be carried out only when the soil is completely thawed, the ground temperature is above 13 to 15 degrees Celsius for 5 consecutive days, and the natural temperature is stable at above 15 degrees Celsius. Areas in the south where temperatures rise quickly can sow early, while areas in the north need to sow late. The suitable time for sowing is from the Spring Equinox to around Qingming Festival, that is, mid-March to mid-April. The mulching technology can advance the sowing time by 10 to 15 days. The specific sowing time should be flexibly determined according to local climatic conditions.

2. Germplasm selection

High-quality taro seeds are the basis for vigorous growth and high yield of taro. Choose medium-sized taro with vigorous growth and no diseases or insect pests as seeds. It should have bright color, full bulbs, and no wounds, damage, rot, insect pests, soft texture or frost damage. The terminal buds grow vigorously, the buds are strong, and the single bud weight should be more than 40 grams.

3. Seed treatment

Most taro seeds sown in spring are in a dormant period and need to be taken out in advance to wake them up. Generally, the light-drying method is used to break dormancy and promote bud germination. Sun-dry the seeds for about 15 days, 2 days a day, to break dormancy, kill pathogens, and encourage the taro seeds to absorb water quickly, germinate early, and produce strong sprouts.

4. Land preparation and base fertilizer treatment

Taro is afraid of repeated cropping, so it is recommended to rotate with sweet potatoes and peanuts . The land needs to be plowed more than 40 cm deep and carefully harrowed to keep the soil loose. Apply 4,000 kg of decomposed organic fertilizer , 40 kg of potassium sulfate compound fertilizer and 50 kg of superphosphate per mu. If conditions permit, mixing 10 kg of micro-fertilizer will help improve the growth and quality of taro.

5. Sowing and germination management

When sowing, place the taro seeds at a spacing of 50 cm and cover them with 3 to 5 cm of fine soil. For early sowing, cover the furrows with insulation film to help seedlings emerge. After the seedlings emerge, break the film in time to expose the taro sprouts.

6. Water and fertilizer management*

No watering is needed during the germination period, and the soil should be kept dry and moist during the seedling stage. From the vigorous growth period of stems and leaves to the expansion period of bulbs, water needs to be replenished in time, and water thoroughly every 7 to 15 days. Stop water supply 15 days before harvest. Taro likes fertilizer and needs multiple topdressings. A large amount of topdressing is not needed in the seedling stage. Timely topdressing is required during the period of vigorous stems and leaves and the period of bulb expansion to maintain normal growth and promote quality and yield increases.

7. Cultivation and soil management

Intertillage and loosening can improve soil permeability and oxygen content and prevent siltation and compaction. Taro needs to be cultivated several times. The first time can be during the seedling stage, and then every 20 days or so, for a total of 2 to 3 times. Soil cultivation can inhibit the growth of terminal buds of taro and create a loose and transparent soil environment for the expansion of bulbs.

8. Weed control and pest management

Weeding should be done in time during the seedling stage, using oxadiazine or manual weeding. In a vigorous taro field, paclobutrazol can be used to control its growth. The main diseases are soft rot and blight, which can be controlled by using chlorothalonil, mancozeb etc. The main pests are aphids and underground pests, which can be controlled by using imidacloprid and phoxim.

9. Harvest management

The sign of taro maturity is that the leaves turn yellow and wither, and the base of the stem dries up. Stop water supply 15 days before harvest, dig out the soil from one side, and pull the stems and leaves to avoid mechanical damage. Remove the soil, cut off the stems and leaves, separate the mother taro and the baby taro, and store them after drying.

In general, taro prefers a warm and humid climate, and the suitable temperature for growth is 25 to 30 degrees Celsius. Generally, seeds are sown after the soil thaws and the average daily temperature exceeds 15 degrees Celsius, and the harvest period begins around the time of frost.