EFFECT OF SHADING LEVELS ON THE GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT, YIELD AND QUALITY OF RHIZOME OF BLACK MUSLI (CURCULIGO ORCHIOIDES GAERTN.) PLANTED IN SUOI HAI COMMUNE, HANOI CITY

A two-year field experiment was conducted from January 2022 to December 2023 in Suoi Hai Commune, Hanoi City, to evaluate the effect of different shading levels on the growth and development, yield, and quality of black musli (Curculigo orchioides Gaertn.). The experiment was conducted using a completely randomized block design with four shading treatments and three replications, using a planting density of 20 x 25 cm. The results showed that shading significantly affected the ongrowth and development, yield, and quality of C. orchioides. Moderate shading at 30% and 50% resulted in markedly improved growth and survival, with plant survival rate exceeding 93% after three months compared with 79% under full sunlight. Rhizome yields were also substantially enhanced, reaching 1.177 and 1.234 tons per hectare under 50% and 30% shade, respectively, nearly double the yield of the unshaded control (0.629 tons per hectare). The highest concentrations of orcinol glucoside (0.63 – 0.67%) and curculigoside (0.16 – 0.17%) were achieved at the shading levels of 30% and 50% at harvest in November 2023. These findings demonstrate that shading plays an important role in improving both productivity and quality of C. orchioides. Shading levels between 30% and 50% are recommended for the cultivation of black musli in Suoi Hai commune, Hanoi city.