G. sjoestedtii Kylin, commonly known as sea asparagus, is a temperate red algae species with the highest gum content among marine algae. In 1988, initial trials of cultivating wild sea asparagus in the coastal areas of Lianjiang and Xiapu counties in Fujian Province showed promising results, but the project was not further developed. In 2000, artificially selected sea asparagus was introduced to Xiuyu District in Putian City, within Meizhou Bay. The trial production was successful, featuring a long growth cycle and favorable economic returns. Today, the cultivation has expanded to over 10,000 acres. However, challenges such as serious diseases and pest infestations have emerged due to unregulated farming practices. This article discusses current cultivation techniques and production issues for reference by industry professionals.
First, cultivation methods:
1. Single-leaf quail-style asparagus: This is the most common method, where asparagus is cultivated three times annually—autumn, winter, and spring. A small number of annual crops do not return to land.
2. Rotating between Gracilaria and kelp: Asparagus is grown from September to December, followed by kelp from December to April, then asparagus again from April to July, and finally from July to September.
3. Rotating with oysters: Oyster nets are hung during summer, autumn, and winter. After harvesting oysters in winter and spring, asparagus is cultivated for one or two cycles.
Second, cultivation techniques:
1. Sea area selection: The substrate should be uneven rock, with a minimum water depth of 2 meters below the low tide line. Wind and wave conditions must be considered, with stronger equipment allowing cultivation in more turbulent waters. Areas with calm waves require smooth currents. Water quality is crucial; the salinity should be above 1.018, and there should be no severe industrial pollution.
2. Sea area layout: A "goods" pattern is required for efficient use of space.
3. Truss setup:
(1) Pile positioning: To avoid typhoon seasons, asparagus is planted in the south. Tide direction is a key factor, with piles placed as far downstream as possible. The length of the raft is 50–65 meters, with anchor cables 2–3 times the water depth at high tide. The distance between rafts depends on the layout, typically 2.5–5.5 meters.
(2) Materials: Piles vary based on seabed type. Sandy and muddy areas require 13cm-diameter, 2m-long piles. In sandy areas, 16cm-diameter, 3m-long piles are used. Muddy bottoms need 50–100kg iron anchors. All piles are drilled at the top for rope attachment.
(3) Rope and float setup: Floating ropes, horizontal ropes, and anchor cables are connected with floats spaced every 50–60 cm. The truss must be tight enough to maintain structure.
4. Seedling handling:
(1) Timing: When water temperature drops to 27°C, usually late September to early October.
(2) Seedling preparation: Use 180–360 silk polyethylene ropes with 3–6 flowers per section. Soak new seedlings in water for a day, and disinfect old ones with 200ppm bleach.
(3) Seedling collection: Avoid using base algae. Keep them dry and above 30°C during transport.
(4) Clamping: Clamp 50g of asparagus per meter, spacing 5–10cm apart. Ensure ends are exposed to prevent dehydration.
(5) Hanging: Connect seedling ropes to floats.
5. Cultivation management:
(1) Water regulation: Adjusting water depth controls light exposure. Too much or too little light can harm growth, causing discoloration and shedding.
(2) Truss adjustment: Check buoyancy and repair broken ropes regularly. Ensure uniform tightness across all rafts.
(3) Fertilization: Generally not needed, but in nutrient-poor periods, bagging and fertilizing may be necessary.
6. Harvesting: After 2–3 months of growth, asparagus becomes thick and purple. Harvest when 3kg per meter is achieved. Avoid early harvest unless pests are severe. Harvest in sunny mornings, dry immediately, and bag the next day if not dried on the first day.
Third, problems and suggestions:
1. Pest infestations: Since 2002, pests like pelagic otters have caused damage. They reproduce quickly, leading to severe losses. To reduce their impact, consider fallow periods during hot seasons.
2. Local diseases: White spots, yellowing, and shedding occur due to poor quality, improper lighting, overcrowding, and non-scientific seedling practices. Solutions include improving germplasm, rational layout, and scientific management, including proper water layer and seedling regulation.
By addressing these issues, sustainable and profitable sea asparagus cultivation can be achieved.
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