What causes bitter melon fruit abortion
Fruit abortion in bitter melon is a widespread phenomenon in cultivation. It refers to young fruits that are in the middle of growth and development suddenly stopping their growth, gradually turning yellow and shrinking from between the fruits to the whole fruit, until they dry up, seriously affecting yield and returns. So what are the causes of bitter melon fruit abortion? Let's find out together.
1. Unsuitable temperature
Bitter melon has relatively high temperature requirements during the fruiting period. If the daytime temperature is higher than 32 degrees or lower than 20 degrees, or the nighttime temperature is lower than 18 degrees, photosynthesis in its leaves will be hindered, respiration will increase, and nutrient consumption will be greater, which is unfavorable for nutrient accumulation, thus causing malnutrition and fruit abortion. When cucurbit vegetables encounter low-temperature freezing damage during growth, because the soil temperature is too low, root development will be poor, affecting absorption capacity, causing insufficient nutrition for young fruits and fruit abortion.
2. Carbon dioxide concentration too low
Nowadays, in order to increase yield and facilitate management, many growers use greenhouse cultivation techniques, and bitter melon is relatively sensitive to carbon dioxide. Once the carbon dioxide concentration in the greenhouse is too low, fruit abortion will occur.
3. Improper management
During planting, if the planting density is too high, the field becomes closed and shaded, and ventilation and light transmission between plants are poor, which is unfavorable for photosynthesis. With fewer assimilates, fruit abortion is likely to occur. In addition, improper fertilizer management can cause the plants to lack water and fertilizer. When certain essential trace elements are lacking, it will also affect the normal photosynthesis of the plants, resulting in fruit abortion.
4. Excessive growth
Under the factors of excessive nitrogen fertilizer, excessively high temperature, and excessive moisture, the stems and vines of bitter melon grow thick and strong, the leaves become thick and fleshy, and the plants grow too vigorously, while the fruits grow slowly. Because the flowers and fruits cannot obtain assimilates, they gradually abort.
5. Pests and diseases
Many diseases directly harm leaf growth, causing leaves to wither and necrose, and in severe cases causing the plants to dry up, so they cannot carry out normal photosynthesis and fruit abortion occurs. In addition, pests such as aphids and whiteflies also suck the sap of leaves, and their excrement also pollutes the leaves, damaging leaf photosynthesis and causing insufficient nutrition for young fruits and fruit abortion.
The above is an introduction to the causes of bitter melon fruit abortion. We hope it can help you. To learn more related knowledge, please follow us.