Many farmers adopt the method of greenhouse seedling cultivation followed by transplantation to extend the harvesting period and increase yield. However, a common problem during the transplantation of pepper seedlings is the low survival rate. So, how can this be addressed effectively? Let's find out.
Causes of Low Survival Rate of Transplanted Pepper Seedlings
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Issues with Pepper Seedlings: Poor root development and presence of pathogens in pepper seedlings naturally result in low survival rates.
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Continuous Cropping: Continuous cultivation of crops from the Solanaceae family such as tomatoes, eggplants, cucumbers, and cabbages can affect the survival rate of transplanted pepper seedlings.
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Soil Problems: High soil salinity, poor soil aeration, soil compaction, and other common soil issues contribute to the low survival rate of pepper seedlings.
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Overwatering: Excessive watering, especially through flooding, can lead to root rot in pepper seedlings, reducing their survival rate.
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Pest and Disease Infestation: Soil-borne diseases and pests, such as wireworms, nematodes, and fungal pathogens, can directly damage the roots of pepper seedlings, leading to their death.
Methods to Improve Low Survival Rate of Transplanted Pepper Seedlings
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Selection of Robust Seedlings: Prioritize selecting large and robust seedlings with well-developed root systems for transplantation to improve survival rates. It is recommended to transplant pepper seedlings when they have grown 6-10 true leaves and reach a height of 15-18 centimeters.
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Soil Treatment: Deep plowing and sun exposure of the soil help expose soil-borne pathogens and pest eggs to sunlight, promoting their destruction through UV radiation. Additionally, the application of fungicides and pesticides like carbendazim and chlorothalonil during soil preparation aids in pest and disease control.
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Crop Rotation: Implementing crop rotation with cruciferous vegetables like cabbage, rapeseed, cauliflower, and lilies for at least three years can significantly improve the survival rate of transplanted peppers.
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Watering: After transplantation, timely watering to maintain soil moisture is essential. Mulching with plastic film can help retain moisture. However, water quantity should be controlled, and in case of prolonged rainy weather, proper drainage measures should be taken to prevent waterlogging.
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Pest and Disease Control: Integrated pest management focusing on prevention should be adopted. Alternating the use of pesticides and selecting low-toxicity, high-efficiency pesticides like cypermethrin and abamectin can effectively control pests and diseases.
In conclusion, while there are reasons behind the low survival rate of transplanted pepper seedlings, mastering scientific transplantation methods and implementing effective pre- and post-transplantation management practices can greatly improve their survival rate.
