What causes cucumber flower topping? Causes and control methods
Many farmers who grow cucumbers have encountered the phenomenon of cucumber topping, especially those grown in greenhouses, where this situation is relatively common. In fact, it is a physiological disorder that often occurs during low-temperature periods. It seriously affects the yield and appearance of cucumbers, so why does cucumber topping occur? How should it be controlled? Let's take a look together.
Causes of cucumber topping
1. Relatively low temperature
In the early growth stage, the greenhouse temperature is relatively low, so the normal growth of the plants is inhibited, or vegetative growth is too vigorous, leading to severe spindly growth, making the flower topping phenomenon very likely to occur.
2. Root damage
The temperature inside the greenhouse is unstable, especially when the daytime temperature is too high, but the soil moisture content is sometimes insufficient. Also, due to unreasonable fertilization or crop rotation and other reasons, the organic matter content in the soil decreases, which affects the root system of cucumbers. Sometimes when humidity is relatively high or the irrigation amount is relatively large, the soil becomes wet, but the surface temperature is too low, making root drowning very likely to occur.
3. Lack of nutrients
The soil has poor permeability, which affects the respiration of the root system and prevents it from providing sufficient nutrients to the aboveground plants.
4. Phytotoxicity
Pesticides are not used in a standardized way in daily practice. Using large amounts of insecticides or fungicides, and using them too frequently, will prevent the plants from growing normally, thus causing the cucumber topping phenomenon.
Control methods
First, adjust the temperature inside the greenhouse. It should be neither too high nor too low, and needs to be kept within a reasonable range. At night, when the temperature is relatively low, it should still be maintained above 10 degrees. During the day, when the temperature is below 20 degrees due to insufficient light, close the ventilation holes and add straw curtains for insulation. Carry out fertilizer and water management reasonably. Follow the principle of applying fertilizer in small amounts and frequently. It is best not to let fertilizer directly touch the roots to avoid root injury. Water moderately, try to choose warm water, and avoid flood irrigation that causes poor soil permeability. After watering, loosen the soil appropriately to maintain soil permeability. If cloudy days or low-temperature days occur continuously for several days, take remedial measures. If cucumber topping has already occurred, promptly remove the mature fruits and also remove the surrounding female flowers. The root system should be maintained, especially in winter. Do not leave too many flowers, otherwise it will only make the root system weaker.
The above is an introduction to the causes and control methods of cucumber topping. We hope it can help you. If you want to learn more related knowledge, please follow us.