Causes of Hollow Stem in Broccoli and How to Prevent and Control It
Broccoli, also known as green cauliflower or green broccoli, is now cultivated in many regions of our country. Because of its high nutritional value, market demand is growing larger and larger, and more and more people are growing it. However, many people often encounter the hollow stem phenomenon during cultivation, so what causes it? How should it be prevented and controlled? Let's take a look together with the editor.
1. Seed causes
The main cause of hollow stems in normal broccoli is the seed problem. When sowing, if the variety chosen is not suitable for the local climate and soil, then the possibility of hollow stems occurring is very high. If self-saved seeds are selected, genetic variation may also occur during the growth of broccoli, thereby causing hollow stems in broccoli.
Prevention and control methods: When planting, the sowing time, soil characteristics, weather conditions and other factors should be taken into account to select broccoli varieties that are suitable for local sowing, not prone to hollow stems, and high-yielding.
2. Temperature and humidity causes
⟦NL>Broccoli has relatively high requirements for growth. The optimal growth temperature is 15-25 degrees. If the temperature is too high or too low, it will cause broccoli to grow faster, and insufficient nutrient supply in the soil will lead to hollow stems. In addition, during the growth process, the demand for water is also relatively high. If the soil is too dry or watering is improper, it will also cause water loss in the plant, resulting in hollow stems.
Prevention and control methods: When planting broccoli, the planting time should be reasonably arranged according to local climate characteristics to avoid high temperatures when the broccoli head is growing rapidly. When soil humidity is too high, watering should be controlled to prevent humidity from continuing to increase, and after the rainy season, drainage should be carried out in time to reduce humidity.
3. Improper fertilization
Broccoli has high yields and also relatively high nutrient requirements. If too much fertilizer is applied, it is not only unfavorable to broccoli growth, but instead causes excessive vegetative growth in broccoli, resulting in the hollow stem phenomenon. If boron input is lacking, it will also cause changes in the tissue wall structure inside the broccoli stem, and the tissues inside the stem will degenerate, resulting in hollow stems.
Prevention and control methods: Fertilization for broccoli should be based on actual conditions, with scientific and rational fertilization. Nitrogen fertilizer should be appropriately controlled, and more organic fertilizer or organic fertilizer should be applied.
4. Harvest time
The harvest time of broccoli is also very important. If harvested too late, the water content in the plant decreases, which will not only lead to hollow stems in broccoli, but also cause the broccoli head to become loose and the buds to wither, reducing its commercial value; while if harvested too early, the broccoli head has not fully grown, reducing broccoli yield.
Prevention and control methods: The optimal harvest time for broccoli is when the period from head formation to harvest is 10-15 days, and when the diameter of the head grows to 12-15 cm. Farmers should harvest at the appropriate time.
The above is an introduction to the causes of hollow stems in broccoli and the prevention and control methods. We hope it can help you. If you want to learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.