Bok choy, resembling Chinese cabbage in appearance, is a small-sized, delicious vegetable that often fetches prices several times higher than regular cabbage, making its cultivation highly lucrative. However, during the cultivation of bok choy, tip burn is a common issue. So, how can we effectively prevent and treat it? Let's find out.
1. Variety Selection
Different varieties of bok choy have varying resistance to tip burn. For instance, varieties like Golden Baby and Spring Moon Yellow exhibit higher resistance to the disease. Therefore, choose resistant varieties to mitigate the risk.
2. Crop Rotation
Bok choy grown in open fields during the summer crop season is more susceptible to tip burn. This is because of the high temperatures and low precipitation during summer, leading to severe disease outbreaks. To counter this, plant bok choy at appropriate times. For open-field cultivation, it is advisable to plant after April in spring or in August-September during autumn. For greenhouse cultivation, there are no strict planting time requirements; seedlings can be raised anytime in early spring or autumn-winter.
3. Nitrogen Fertilization
Excessive nitrogen application can induce tip burn in bok choy. To prevent this, ensure proper fertilization by controlling the amount of nitrogen applied. Keep the nitrogen application rate below 30 kg/acre throughout the entire growth period. Additionally, supplement with foliar spray and soil application of calcium-rich micronutrients during the rosette stage.
4. Irrigation Management
Inadequate or uneven watering can lead to tip burn in bok choy. Therefore, maintain uniform moisture supply during the growing period. In case of drought, irrigate promptly using drip or sprinkler irrigation methods. Avoid excessive flooding to prevent root damage due to waterlogging.
5. Soil Management
Soil compaction and salinization can hinder calcium absorption by bok choy roots, leading to tip burn. Implement measures such as scientific fertilization, rational irrigation, biological desalination, and straw returning to reduce soil salinity levels and prevent soil compaction.
In summary, bok choy, like other leafy vegetables such as Chinese cabbage and kale, is susceptible to tip burn. However, similar prevention and treatment methods can be applied across these crops.
