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1. Capturing wild Astragalus seedlings directly from their natural habitat is one of the most effective methods. From April to October, they can be found in rice paddies and shallow ditches, and caught using a cricket cage. Especially after hot and stormy days, there’s a high number of juvenile Astragalus emerging at night, making this the best time for collection. A single person can gather up to 200 seedlings in one go. These are typically placed into field gutters during the night or after a thunderstorm, where they can be collected within a few hours.
When using a cricket cage, two key points should be considered: First, use crickets as bait, and check the cage 2–3 times per night. Second, when the cage is submerged, make sure the tail is slightly above water so that the young can breathe. Otherwise, they risk suffocation. At dawn, the cages are retrieved, with larger seedlings sold and smaller ones kept for future growth. This method ensures healthy, injury-free seedlings with a high survival rate.
Another technique involves using lights at night to spot foraging eels near trenches. They can be captured using a clip or by hand, being careful not to harm them. Once caught, the seedlings must be immediately transferred to a suitable environment.
2. Purchasing Astragalus seedlings from the market is another option. Choose robust, healthy individuals. It's best to buy those that have been raised in clean, water-changing environments. Avoid any seedlings that may have been exposed to pesticides. There are generally three types of Astragalus based on color and growth rate: the first has large yellow spots and grows quickly; the second is green-yellow and common; the third is gray with fine spots and grows slowly. Each type should be kept separately.
The weight gain ratio varies: 1:5–6 for the fast-growing type, 1:3–4 for the average, and 1:1–2 for the slow-growing one. Ideal size is between 20 to 50 seedlings per kilogram. Too small, and survival rates drop; too large, and economic returns decrease. However, market conditions can influence choices—such as higher prices around the Spring Festival might encourage farmers to stock larger sizes.
3. Semi-artificial propagation includes two approaches:
(1) Mimicking natural breeding conditions in aquaculture ponds. At the end of each year, select strong, healthy seedlings (with tail weights of 100–200g) and place them in nutrient-rich pools. Allow them to overwinter until June or July, when they will spawn naturally. Monitor water temperature and feed them well once it reaches 15°C. Carefully collect eggs and hatch them, then move the fry to separate pools to prevent cannibalism. Feed them zooplankton or cooked egg yolk if needed, and gradually increase their activity levels.
(2) Collecting wild fertilized eggs from lakes and marshes. During midsummer, look for foamy lumps on the water surface—these may be hatching nests. Use a scoop or rice spoon to collect them, then transfer them to a basin with fresh water. Hatch them in an incubator following standard procedures. This method mimics the natural hatching process and can significantly improve success rates.
By combining these techniques, farmers can effectively manage and grow Astragalus seedlings while maintaining quality and sustainability.
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