What are the causes of deformed zucchini fruit and how can they be prevented and controlled?

During zucchini cultivation and production, deformed fruit often appears, which seriously affects the yield and quality of zucchini and causes economic losses to farmers. So what causes deformed zucchini? And how should it be prevented and controlled? Let's take a look.

1. Imbalance of fertilizer and water

In the early fruit-setting stage of zucchini, if fertilizer and water are insufficient, pointed-tip fruit is very likely to form; if fertilizer and water are insufficient in the middle stage, waist-shaped fruit is very likely to form; if fertilizer and water are insufficient in the late stage, slender crooked-stem fruit is very likely to form, so fertilizer and water management is extremely important.

Prevention and control method: during the fruit-setting stage, its fertilizer and water needs must be met. Be sure to apply sufficient base fertilizer, carry out reasonable topdressing, and water frequently to keep the soil moist and ensure fertilizer and water supply, but at the same time also pay attention to the supply amount, because excessive fertilizer and water can also cause deformation.

2. Poor pollination

During pollination, low temperature and high humidity or high temperature and drought, plus fewer pollinating insects such as bees, often lead to poor pollination quality and uneven pollen distribution, which will form deformed fruit.

Prevention and control method: in areas using artificial pollination, around 9 a.m., pick male flowers, remove the corolla, and gently place the anther onto the stigma of the female flower. Generally, one male flower can pollinate 3-4 female flowers.

3. Unsuitable temperature

During the fruiting stage, if the temperature is too high or too low, it will greatly affect the plant's photosynthesis, causing insufficient nutrient synthesis, so the fruit does not have sufficient nutrients to grow, thereby causing deformation.

Prevention and control method: pay attention to temperature regulation. Early-maturing varieties can be warmed and kept warm through greenhouses or plastic tunnels. Zucchini can adapt to temperatures of 15-38 degrees, and the suitable growth temperature is 18-25 degrees, so the application of uncovering and covering the film should be adjusted according to temperature changes.

4. Flower problems

Fruit formed from zucchini's own defective female flowers or bisexual flowers, under low temperature or weak light, poor flower bud differentiation, is very likely to form deformed fruit.

Prevention and control method: this situation is relatively rare, and its frequency is not high. If this situation occurs frequently, replace the variety in time.

The above is an introduction to the causes of deformed zucchini fruit and the prevention and control methods. We hope it can help you. To learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.