A Detailed Guide to the Cultivation Techniques and Management Methods of the Jiangbing Squash

Jiangbing squash is a type of squash cultivated in Yunnan. Because of its good disease resistance and moderately starchy-sweet flavor, it is deeply loved by people. So what are the cultivation techniques for Jiangbing squash?

1. Plot selection and land preparation: It is more suitable to choose sandy loam soil with deep soil, a low groundwater table, and a relatively high organic matter content for planting. The land should be deep-plowed more than 30 cm, with 3000 kg of base fertilizer applied per mu, and the base fertilizer should be applied in furrows or holes.

2. Sowing and seedling raising: Early-maturing squash is mostly raised as seedlings and then transplanted, sown in late February, with seedlings raised in small arched sheds, and transplanted in late March, covered with plastic film. Direct sowing can also be used, watering thoroughly in one go, covering with a small arched shed, and removing the small arched shed once 2-3 true leaves appear.

3. Transplanting: For ground-trailing cultivation, the bed width is 2-2.3 m; for trellis cultivation, the bed width is 1.3-1.6 m, with 2 rows transplanted or direct-sown per bed, and a plant spacing of 50-60 cm.

4. Field management:

(1) Water and fertilizer requirements: After transplanting has established or after emergence, apply about 700 kg of clear manure water per mu; after fruit set, apply a heavy dose of human and livestock manure water once; after each squash harvest, apply manure water or urea once to prevent fertilizer deficiency during the peak fruiting period. When the soil is dry, water promptly to keep the soil moist.

(2) Cultivation and weeding: When weeds are present, cultivate promptly to remove the weeds, and hill up the soil while weeding.

(3) Vine training and pinching: For early-maturing squash and trellis-grown squash, fruiting is mainly on the main vine, so side vines should be removed promptly. For ground-trailing squash, 2-3 side vines can be retained per plant, and vines should be frequently directed and pressed down.

(4) Pest and disease control: Mainly control powdery mildew. In the early stage of the disease, pesticides such as triadimefon or chlorothalonil can be used for control.

5. Harvesting: Jiangbing squash is often harvested and marketed as young squash; young squash can be picked 15-20 days after the female flowers open.

Overall, Jiangbing squash is still quite easy to grow. As long as a good plot is chosen, the seeds are sown into the soil to let them germinate, and after germination they are transplanted into the field, with good work done in water and fertilizer management, pest and disease control, and so on.