Method for improving yield and quality of ginger

Abstract

The invention provides a method for improving the yield and quality of fresh ginger, and belongs to the technical field of fresh ginger planting. The method for improving the yield and quality of the fresh ginger comprises the following steps that in the vigorous growth period of fresh ginger seedlings, a choline chloride aqueous solution is sprayed to leaf surfaces for the first time, and the concentration of choline chloride in the choline chloride aqueous solution is 75 mg / L-350 mg / L. The method provided by the invention not only can promote the growth of the ginger, but also can improve the yield and quality of the ginger, and can delay the aging of plants and prolong the harvesting time. In addition, the method provided by the invention is green and environment-friendly, and pollution is reduced; soil ecology is improved, and beneficial microorganisms are protected; the cost is low, and the popularization is easy.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of ginger cultivation technology, specifically relating to a method for improving ginger yield and quality. Background Technology

[0002] As an economic crop, improving ginger's yield and quality is crucial for increasing agricultural efficiency and farmers' income. However, the ginger industry faces challenges such as persistent cropping obstacles, limited variety selection, and frequent soil-borne diseases, all of which negatively impact yield and quality. Common ginger diseases include ginger wilt, bacterial wilt, basal rot, leaf spot, and anthracnose. Pests include ginger maggots and nematodes. In ginger production management, farmers often use field spraying of pesticides and soil disinfection for pest and disease control. In pursuit of high yields, the indiscriminate overuse of chemical fertilizers is widespread, leading to soil acidification, compaction, and salinization. The overuse of pesticides also kills beneficial microorganisms, disrupts the balance of the soil ecosystem, and easily results in pesticide residues in the soil, polluting the soil environment and thus inhibiting ginger yield and reducing its commercial quality. Furthermore, ginger has a long growing season, and plants are prone to premature aging in the later stages of growth. Furthermore, vegetable prices are high in winter. Therefore, improving ginger yield and quality, delaying maturity, extending the ginger harvest period, and achieving green, high-quality, efficient, and sustainable ginger production are of significant application value for improving the quality and efficiency of the ginger industry and promoting high-quality development. In recent years, many studies have demonstrated the significant impact of exogenous substances on crop quality. Among these, plant growth regulators have been well-established in various crops, such as tomatoes, potatoes, sugarcane, and wheat. However, research on ginger, a specialty crop, is relatively scarce. Strengthening the research and application of plant growth regulators in ginger is of great value in promoting the improvement of the quality and efficiency of the ginger industry. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, the purpose of this invention is to provide a method that can simultaneously improve the yield and quality of ginger, which is of great value to the ginger industry and its development.

[0004] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: This invention provides a method for improving the yield and quality of ginger, comprising the following steps: during the vigorous growth period of ginger seedlings, a choline chloride aqueous solution is sprayed on the leaves for the first time, wherein the concentration of choline chloride in the choline chloride aqueous solution is 75 mg / L to 350 mg / L.

[0005] Preferably, a second foliar spray of choline chloride aqueous solution is performed 13 to 15 days after the first spray.

[0006] Preferably, the period of vigorous growth is the period after four branches emerge from both sides of the main stem, forming five seedlings.

[0007] Preferably, spraying should be carried out between 7:00 and 10:00 in the morning or between 16:00 and 18:00 in the afternoon.

[0008] Preferably, the spray should be applied until both sides of all leaves are wet, but the droplets do not coalesce and drip.

[0009] Preferably, the ginger is Leshan white ginger.

[0010] Preferably, the total number of times the choline chloride aqueous solution is sprayed is 2.

[0011] Preferably, improving ginger quality includes reducing lignin content, increasing vitamin C content, reducing gingerol content, and / or reducing crude fiber content.

[0012] The beneficial effects of this invention are: The method provided by this invention not only promotes ginger growth but also simultaneously increases ginger yield and quality, while delaying plant senescence and extending the harvest period. Furthermore, the method offers advantages such as being environmentally friendly, reducing pollution; improving soil ecology and protecting beneficial microorganisms; and being low-cost and easy to promote. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 Phenotypic diagrams of ginger from different groups;

[0014] Figure 2 Images of underground rhizomes of ginger from different groups;

[0015] Figure 3 To investigate the effects of different groups on the chlorophyll content of ginger leaves, data are expressed as the mean ± standard error of three replicates. Different letters (a, b, c) indicate significant differences at the p ≤ 0.05 level, and if the same letter is included, p > 0.05.

[0016] Figure 4 To investigate the effect of different groups on the lignin content of ginger, the data are expressed as the mean ± standard error of three replicates. Different letters (a, b, c, e) indicate significant differences at the p ≤ 0.05 level, and if the same letter is included, then p > 0.05.

[0017] Figure 5 To investigate the effect of different groups on the vitamin C content of ginger, data are expressed as the mean ± standard error of three replicates. Different letters (a, b, c, d, e, f) indicate significant differences at the p ≤ 0.05 level, and if the same letter is included, p > 0.05.

[0018] Figure 6To investigate the effect of different groups on gingerol content in ginger, data are expressed as the mean ± standard error of three replicates. Different letters (a, b, c, d, e, f) indicate significant differences at the p ≤ 0.05 level, and if the same letter is included, p > 0.05.

[0019] Figure 7 To investigate the effect of different groups on the crude fiber content of ginger, the data are expressed as the mean ± standard error of three replicates. Different letters (a, b, c, d, e, f) indicate significant differences at the p ≤ 0.05 level. If the same letter is included, then p > 0.05. Detailed Implementation

[0020] This invention provides a method for improving the yield and quality of ginger, comprising the following steps: during the vigorous growth period of ginger seedlings, a choline chloride aqueous solution is sprayed on the leaves for the first time, wherein the concentration of choline chloride in the choline chloride aqueous solution is 75 mg / L to 350 mg / L.

[0021] In this invention, the choline chloride aqueous solution is preferably prepared by diluting a 60% (w / w) choline chloride aqueous solution with water. Choline chloride has the CAS number 67-48-1. In the 60% (w / w) choline chloride aqueous solution, the active component is choline chloride, accounting for 60%; the solvent is deionized water, serving as the main solvent and carrier, accounting for approximately 39%; adjuvants include, but are not limited to, stabilizers (to prevent degradation), wetting agents (to enhance leaf adhesion), antifreeze agents (to prevent low-temperature freezing), and preservatives (to prevent mold growth), etc. The total content of these adjuvants is very low, approximately 1%. This invention does not have a specific limitation on the source of the 60% (w / w) choline chloride aqueous solution; commercially available products in the art can be used. In a specific embodiment of this invention, the 60% choline chloride aqueous solution was purchased from Green Silver Surface Power.

[0022] This invention offers the advantages of being green and environmentally friendly, reducing pollution. Specifically, it avoids soil acidification, compaction, and salinization caused by excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, and reduces pesticide residues in soil and agricultural products. This is because the core function of choline chloride is to regulate the plant's own physiological metabolism (such as promoting the transport of photosynthetic products and enhancing stress resistance), rather than directly killing insects or fungi or providing large amounts of nutrients. Therefore, the use of choline chloride can reduce dependence on traditional chemical fertilizers (especially nitrogen fertilizers) and pesticides. This invention allows for precise regulation and improved utilization. Specifically, by promoting ginger growth and photosynthetic efficiency, the plant can more effectively utilize nutrients and water in the soil, thereby reducing the amount of chemical fertilizer applied and its loss while achieving the target yield. This avoids soil acidification, compaction, and salinization caused by excessive use of chemical fertilizers at the source. The choline chloride used in this invention is not a pesticide and has no fungicidal or insecticidal activity, therefore it will not leave harmful pesticide residues in the soil and agricultural products. Its molecules are relatively easily degraded in the environment.

[0023] The method provided by this invention also has the advantages of improving soil ecology and protecting beneficial microorganisms. Specifically, it does not disrupt the balance of the soil ecosystem, which is conducive to maintaining soil health and biodiversity. This is because the method of this invention focuses on indirect protection: this advantage mainly stems from the reduction of chemical fertilizers and pesticides mentioned above. Chemical fertilizers (especially high-concentration salt index fertilizers) and broad-spectrum pesticides directly inhibit or kill microorganisms in the soil, disrupting the microbial community balance. Reducing the use of these inputs creates a healthier living environment for soil microorganisms. Moreover, the method of this invention has no direct toxicity: choline chloride itself has no significant toxic effect on soil microorganisms. Its aqueous formulation has a near-neutral pH, and the concentration of the active ingredient in the soil is very low, unlike some acidic or strongly alkaline agents that can damage the soil microenvironment.

[0024] The method provided by this invention can promote the enlargement of ginger tubers, increase yield, and improve the commercial quality of ginger. Choline chloride can stimulate the balance of endogenous hormones such as ethylene and gibberellin in plants, significantly enhancing the transport and accumulation of photosynthetic products from leaves (source) to underground tubers / stems (sinks). The preferential transport and accumulation of photosynthetic products to ginger rhizomes directly drives cell division and enlargement of the tubers, which is the fundamental reason for the increased yield. Increased dry matter accumulation leads to better content of starch, sugar, or specific flavor compounds in ginger, thereby improving its commercial quality, such as a fuller appearance, greater weight, and better taste.

[0025] The method provided by this invention can extend the functional period of leaves and delay maturity, allowing ginger to be harvested when market prices are high, thus improving economic benefits. This is because choline chloride can inhibit or delay the biosynthesis of ethylene in plants. By delaying senescence, ginger leaves maintain their green color and photosynthetic capacity for a longer period, i.e., extending the "functional period." This ensures a sufficient supply of photosynthetic products to the tubers even in the later stages of growth, allowing farmers to flexibly choose to delay harvesting based on market prices without affecting yield and quality, thereby obtaining higher economic benefits.

[0026] Compared to the multiple applications of traditional chemical fertilizers and pesticides, the method provided by this invention uses choline chloride at a lower cost, making it more suitable for large-scale, sustainable production. This is because choline chloride is effective at extremely low concentrations (typically diluted hundreds to thousands of times), requiring only a small amount of the active ingredient per acre per application, thus resulting in low cost per application. Furthermore, the product itself is relatively inexpensive. Since choline chloride improves fertilizer utilization and enhances plant resistance, in the long run, it reduces the frequency and total amount of other inputs such as topdressing and stress-resistant agents, making overall costs controllable.

[0027] Furthermore, the method provided by this invention uses an aqueous solution of choline chloride, with the mother liquor being a 60% aqueous choline chloride solution. The production process of the aqueous (AS) formulation is relatively simple, and the cost is lower than that of emulsifiable concentrates, suspensions, and other formulations. The high content (60%) reduces packaging and transportation costs. It is easy to use: it is completely miscible with water, easy to dilute, requires no special equipment, and is suitable for large-scale spraying. It has good stability: it is chemically stable at room temperature, but strong acids, strong alkalis, high heat, and prolonged direct sunlight should be avoided. It is stable when stored under the above-recommended conditions, reducing losses.

[0028] In the method described in this invention, after the initial spraying, a second foliar spray of choline chloride aqueous solution is preferably performed at an interval of 13 to 15 days. This interval is designed to ensure that the metabolism and duration of effect of choline chloride in the plant are optimal. In this invention, the concentration of choline chloride in the choline chloride aqueous solution is preferably 100 mg / L to 300 mg / L, more preferably 200 mg / L to 250 mg / L.

[0029] In this invention, the vigorous growth period is preferably the time after four branches emerge from both sides of the main stem, forming five seedlings, approximately 85-95 days after transplanting. Spraying is preferably carried out between 7:00-10:00 AM or 4:00-6:00 PM, more preferably between 7:00-9:00 AM, when the temperature is suitable, the light is gentle, the leaf stomata are open, facilitating absorption, and the evaporation of the pesticide is slow. This invention does not have specific limitations on the spraying equipment; handheld small sprayers, backpack electric sprayers, or drone spraying equipment can all be used. During spraying, the entire leaf surface should be sprayed evenly, with a focus on the underside of the leaves. The spraying endpoint is preferably when all leaves, both front and back, are evenly moistened, but the droplets do not coalesce and drip (this is equivalent to a visible, empirically determined saturation point, ensuring effective adhesion and absorption of the pesticide while avoiding waste and soil contamination). In this invention, when spraying an aqueous solution of choline chloride, the spraying amount is based on the amount of choline chloride used, preferably 40g to 70g of choline chloride per hectare, and more preferably 50g to 60g of choline chloride per hectare.

[0030] In this invention, the ginger is preferably Leshan white ginger; the total number of times the choline chloride aqueous solution is sprayed is preferably 2; the preferred methods to improve the quality of ginger include reducing lignin content, increasing vitamin C content, reducing gingerol content, and / or reducing crude fiber content.

[0031] Existing ginger field cultivation and management methods suffer from a long growth period and premature senescence in the later stages. Specifically, ginger's growth cycle can exceed 200 days. In the later stages of growth (after tuber enlargement), the functional leaves of the plant are prone to premature senescence and yellowing, leading to a sharp decline in photosynthetic capacity and insufficient carbohydrate supply, severely limiting the final yield and quality of the tubers. Traditional methods, such as applying nitrogen fertilizer, are ineffective in addressing premature senescence and may exacerbate soil problems. The method provided by this invention can increase leaf chlorophyll content, enhance photosynthetic rate, and extend the functional period of leaves. This invention involves a second foliar spraying at specific intervals (e.g., 13-15 days) starting when ginger seedlings reach their vigorous growth stage. This effectively maintains the physiological activity of leaves in the mid-to-late stages and delays the senescence process. A longer functional period of leaves means a longer time for photosynthetic product synthesis. Combined with the property of choline chloride promoting carbohydrate transport to the underground parts, this powerfully promotes tuber enlargement and material accumulation, thereby achieving the goal of "increasing yield and improving quality" and overcoming the physiological bottleneck restricting high-yield and high-quality ginger.

[0032] Existing ginger cultivation and management methods in this field suffer from the drawback of concentrated harvesting periods. Under traditional management, ginger matures and enters the market at fixed times, easily leading to market price fluctuations and unstable income for farmers. Furthermore, they cannot respond to high-price periods: during winter and other periods of high ginger prices, ginger grown in traditional fields may have already passed its optimal harvest time or prematurely aged. This invention, by delaying maturity, extends the suitable harvesting window for ginger. This gives growers the ability to flexibly arrange harvesting according to market price conditions, allowing them to choose to harvest high-quality ginger during winter and other periods of high prices, thereby significantly improving economic benefits. This enables agricultural production to better align with market demand.

[0033] While existing ginger cultivation and management methods in this field can increase ginger yield, they require precise fertilization or biological control packages, which are complex to operate, require specialized equipment, or involve high costs, making them difficult to promote among farmers, especially small-scale farmers. The method provided by this invention is simple to operate, with foliar spraying as its core, which is one of the most familiar and easily accepted agricultural operations for farmers, requiring no complex equipment (a handheld sprayer suffices). It is also cost-effective: choline chloride, as a conventional chemical product, is relatively inexpensive, and is used at low concentrations and in small quantities. The total cost of two sprays throughout the growing season is far lower than the additional investment caused by blindly increasing the application of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, while yielding higher returns. This demonstrates the advantages of "low cost and easy promotion," laying the foundation for the large-scale and sustainable application of the technology.

[0034] The technical solutions provided by the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the embodiments, but they should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0035] Unless otherwise specified, the following embodiments are all conventional methods.

[0036] Unless otherwise specified, all materials and reagents used in the following examples are commercially available.

[0037] Example 1 A method for improving ginger yield and quality includes the following steps: When ginger seedlings reach their vigorous growth stage, spray the leaves with a choline chloride solution for the first time at 7:00 AM, spraying until both sides of all leaves are moistened but the droplets do not clump together and drip off. After the first spraying, at an interval of 13 days, spray the leaves with a choline chloride solution a second time at 7:00 AM, spraying until both sides of all leaves are moistened but the droplets do not clump together and drip off. The vigorous growth stage refers to the period after four branches emerge from both sides of the main stem, forming five seedlings. The concentration of choline chloride in the choline chloride solution is 75 mg / L.

[0038] Example 2 A method for improving the yield and quality of Leshan white ginger, the steps of which are as follows: When the seedlings of Leshan white ginger reach their vigorous growth stage, a choline chloride aqueous solution is sprayed on the leaves for the first time at 8:00 AM, spraying until all the upper and lower surfaces of the leaves are evenly moistened, but the droplets do not clump together and drip off. After the first spraying, a second foliar spray of choline chloride aqueous solution is carried out at 8:00 AM after an interval of 15 days, spraying until all the upper and lower surfaces of the leaves are evenly moistened, but the droplets do not clump together and drip off (the amount sprayed is based on the weight of choline chloride, which is 50g / ha). The vigorous growth stage refers to the period after 4 branches emerge from both sides of the main stem and 5 seedlings are formed. The concentration of choline chloride in the choline chloride aqueous solution is 250mg / L.

[0039] Example 3 A method for improving the yield and quality of Leshan white ginger, the steps of which are as follows: When the seedlings of Leshan white ginger reach their vigorous growth stage, a choline chloride aqueous solution is sprayed on the leaves for the first time at 17:00 in the afternoon, spraying until all the upper and lower surfaces of the leaves are evenly moistened, but the droplets do not clump together and drip off. After the first spraying, a second choline chloride aqueous solution is sprayed on the leaves at 17:00 in the afternoon, 14 days later, spraying until all the upper and lower surfaces of the leaves are evenly moistened, but the droplets do not clump together and drip off (the amount sprayed is 40g / ha based on the weight of choline chloride). The vigorous growth stage refers to the period after 4 branches emerge from both sides of the main stem and 5 seedlings are formed. The concentration of choline chloride in the choline chloride aqueous solution is 200mg / L.

[0040] Experimental Example 1 A flat, fertile, and well-drained field for planting Leshan white ginger was selected as the experimental field. The experimental field was divided into several plots, each with an area of ​​10 square meters. The row spacing was 65 cm, the plant spacing was 25 cm, and two additional rows were left on each side of the plot for marginal effect. Water was set up as the control solution (CK). Two choline chloride compound reagents, uniconazole reagent (250 mg / L), and four different concentrations of choline chloride solution (the four different concentrations of choline chloride solution were obtained by diluting 60% choline chloride aqueous solution as the stock solution): T1 (weight ratio of aminoethyl ester to choline chloride 2:19, total concentration 250 mg / L), T2 (weight ratio of choline chloride to calcium cyclohexane 9:1, total concentration 250 mg / L), T3 (uniconazole 250 mg / L), T4 (200 mg / L choline chloride solution), T5 (250 mg / L choline chloride solution), T6 (300 mg / L choline chloride solution), and T7 (350 mg / L choline chloride solution), for a total of 8 treatment groups. When the seedlings reach their vigorous growth stage (after the main stem has developed four branches on each side, forming five seedlings, approximately 90 days after transplanting), spray the entire plant's leaves with a handheld sprayer at 8:00 AM for the first time, ensuring all leaves are evenly moistened on both sides, but without dripping. Repeat this process 15 days later at 8:00 AM, spraying the entire plant's leaves a second time, again with a handheld sprayer, ensuring all leaves are evenly moistened on both sides, but without dripping.

[0041] All other field management practices were consistent across treatments (irrigation, fertilization, weeding, and green pest control all followed the standard operating procedures for high-yield and high-quality ginger cultivation in the local area, ensuring that differences in treatment effects mainly stemmed from the application of choline chloride solution). Aboveground agronomic traits were recorded monthly. Fresh rhizome samples were collected at the ginger harvest period (approximately 250 days after growth), with six plants collected per treatment and three biological replicates. The collected rhizome (ginger tuber) samples were cleaned and segmented; some were used for immediate agronomic trait determination (e.g., single plant weight, number of tubers, morphological indicators), and some for quality analysis (e.g., soluble sugar, protein, and vitamin C content). Samples used for molecular biology and metabolomics analysis were immediately flash-frozen in liquid nitrogen and stored at -80°C to prevent degradation of biomolecules.

[0042] The results are shown below: Phenotypic diagram of ginger at approximately 250 days of growth. Figure 1 As shown in the diagram, the underground rhizome of ginger is as follows. Figure 2 As shown, the concentration of choline chloride in the choline chloride aqueous solution affects the yield of ginger. The ginger yield of the group sprayed with choline chloride aqueous solution is significantly higher than that of the group sprayed with water (CK). The ginger yield of the group with the two choline chloride compound is worse than that of the group sprayed with choline chloride aqueous solution alone.

[0043] The effects of different groups on the aboveground agronomic traits of ginger are shown in Table 1, and the effects of different groups on the underground agronomic traits of ginger are shown in Table 2. The results show that the aboveground and underground agronomic traits of the groups sprayed with choline chloride aqueous solution are superior to those of the water-sprayed group (CK). The aboveground and underground agronomic traits of the groups using the two choline chloride compound agents are inferior to those of the groups sprayed with choline chloride aqueous solution alone according to this invention.

[0044] Table 1. Effects of different groups on aboveground agronomic traits of ginger

[0045] Note: Different letters in the table indicate significant differences at the p≤0.05 level. If the same letter is present, then p>0.05.

[0046] Table 2. Effects of different groups on underground agronomic traits of ginger

[0047] Note: Different letters in the table indicate significant differences at the p≤0.05 level. If the same letter is present, then p>0.05.

[0048] The effects of different groups on the chlorophyll content of ginger leaves, such as Figure 3 As shown, the groups that affect ginger quality are statistically analyzed, and the effects of different groups on the lignin content of ginger (rhizome) are as follows: Figure 4 As shown, the effects of different groups on the vitamin C content of ginger (rhizome) are as follows: Figure 5 As shown, the effects of different groups on the gingerol content of ginger (rhizome) are as follows: Figure 6 As shown, the effects of different groups on the crude fiber content of ginger (rhizome) are as follows: Figure 7 As shown, the technical solution of the present invention can improve the product quality of ginger, and has a significant advantage over the tebuconazole reagent group in improving the product quality of ginger.

[0049] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the principle of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for improving ginger yield and quality, characterized in that, The process includes the following steps: during the vigorous growth period of ginger seedlings, a choline chloride aqueous solution is sprayed on the leaves for the first time, wherein the concentration of choline chloride in the choline chloride aqueous solution is 75 mg / L to 350 mg / L.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, After the first application, apply a second foliar spray of choline chloride solution 13 to 15 days later.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The period of vigorous growth is the time after the main stem produces 4 branches on both sides, forming 5 seedlings.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Spraying should be carried out between 7:00 and 10:00 AM or between 4:00 and 6:00 PM.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Spray until all the front and back of the leaves are wet, but the droplets do not coalesce and drip.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ginger in question is Leshan white ginger.

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The total number of times the choline chloride solution was sprayed was 2.

8. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Improving ginger quality includes reducing lignin content, increasing vitamin C content, reducing gingerol content, and / or reducing crude fiber content.

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