Cucumber cultivation in greenhouses often faces the challenge of cucumber withering, which can lead to significant losses. Many farmers increase cucumber retention in pursuit of higher yields, but this practice is not scientific and can lead to withering issues. Let's explore how to address and prevent cucumber withering:
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Excessive Cucumber Retention: Farmers often leave too many cucumbers on the vine in an attempt to increase yield, neglecting to remove excess female flowers.
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Delayed Harvesting: In anticipation of better prices, farmers may delay harvesting cucumbers, causing nutrient depletion and resulting in withering.
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Improper Fertilization: Inappropriate fertilization practices, such as excessive use of compound fertilizers, can damage roots and hinder normal plant growth.
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Overuse of Pesticides: Excessive spraying of pesticides at short intervals or using concentrations above recommended levels can cause leaf curling and reduce photosynthesis.
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Improper Watering: Poor watering practices, especially during cloudy weather after watering, can lead to root rot, inhibiting root growth and affecting above-ground growth.
Prevention Methods
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Adjust Planting: Maintain cucumber vines at around 1.5 meters high and ensure there are at least 15 functional leaves per plant. Remove excess cucumbers to prevent later-stage withering. Remove yellowing leaves promptly to reduce nutrient consumption.
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Increase Light Exposure: After consecutive cloudy days, gradually uncover the greenhouse to avoid shock to the plants.
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Manage Fertilization and Watering: Avoid excessive watering during low-temperature and low-light conditions. Apply fertilizers containing humic acid or amino acids in doses that can be easily absorbed by cucumbers.
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Disease Prevention: Greenhouse cucumbers are prone to diseases like powdery mildew, brown spot, gray mold, and bacterial angular leaf spot. Implement preventive measures and ensure no diseased plants are present in the greenhouse. Use pesticides strictly according to instructions to minimize phytotoxicity.
These are the key points for dealing with and preventing cucumber withering in greenhouses. Assess your cultivation practices to see if you encounter any of these issues.
