Luffa Greenhouse Cultivation Techniques and Management Key Points

Before planting, till the soil and apply sufficient base fertilizer, then dig the planting furrows, apply bottom fertilizer, then close the furrows and form ridges. Wait until October, soak the seeds in warm water to promote germination, and after they sprout, evenly broadcast them into the soil, cover with soil and sprinkle water to let them emerge. When they grow 1-2 true leaves, transplant them into the field at a row spacing of 60*30cm, and finally carry out basic management such as water and fertilizer and pest and disease control, and they will bear fruit.

Key points of luffa greenhouse management techniques:

1. Adjust temperature and light properly

Luffa requires relatively high temperatures throughout its growth period. The growing temperature is 20-24°C, and the suitable temperature for fruit development is 24-28°C; growth is slow at around 15°C, and growth is inhibited below 10°C. During management, keep the temperature inside the greenhouse at 25-30°C during the day and around 18°C at night. Before the luffa vines begin to sprawl, grass mats can be used to properly control the duration of sunlight to promote stem and leaf growth and female flower differentiation. During the flowering and fruiting period, open the grass mats in a timely manner to make full use of sunlight to raise the temperature.

2. Water and topdress fertilizer in a timely manner

Luffa seedlings do not need much water. Depending on soil moisture, lightly water with a small amount of water 1-2 times. When the vines grow to about 5 cm, in combination with hilling again, apply 30 kg of potassium dihydrogen phosphate per mu as a topdressing and water heavily once. After flowering and fruiting, generally water once every 7-8 days, and at the same time apply 5 kg of urea per mu as a topdressing.

3. Build trellises and tie vines

Plant adjustment: luffa stems and vines can grow to 7-8 m. When the vines grow to about 25 cm, trellises need to be built. To reduce the space occupied by trellis poles and shading, generally use wire or nylon rope and the like to directly tie to the greenhouse support to form a single-row vertical trellis, with no crossing at the top, and guide the vines vertically upward according to the original planting row spacing and density. After the vines are on the trellis, tie them once every 4-5 leaves, and an “S”-shaped tying method can be used.

4. Preserve flowers and fruits

Apply 2,4-D to flowers, which can reduce flower drop and significantly improve fruit set. When the temperature is high, use a concentration of 20×10-6; when low, use 30×10-6. Either use a brush to dip the solution and apply it to the stigma of female flowers and the base of the corolla, or directly dip the flower in the solution. The application time should be around 8 a.m.

5. Pest and disease control

The main diseases of luffa include anthracnose, phytophthora blight, and gray mold, which can be controlled with pesticides such as carbendazim, chlorothalonil, and dimethomorph. The main pests include melon aphids and whiteflies, which can be controlled with rotenone and saosiling.

The above is the relevant introduction to luffa greenhouse cultivation techniques. We hope it is helpful to everyone.