What to Do About Zucchini Fruit Drop? Causes and Preventive Measures

Zucchini commonly shows fruit drop during cultivation. So-called fruit drop refers to the fruit stopping mid-way as it swells, then beginning to yellow and wilt, and finally becoming a shriveled fruit. This phenomenon occurs both before and after flowering. So what causes zucchini fruit drop? How should it be prevented? Let's take a look with QinNongNet.

1. Variety

There are certain physiological differences among zucchini varieties. When different varieties are planted in different regions, their fruit drop rates also differ. Experiments have shown that varieties that produce more endogenous hormones during the seedling stage have a lower rate of fruit drop.

Preventive measures: When choosing what to plant, select excellent varieties with strong stress resistance and a certain capacity for parthenocarpy. This is one of the main means of preventing fruit drop.

2. Temperature

Temperature is also one of the main causes of zucchini fruit drop. If the temperature is too high, it will have a certain effect on the plant's photosynthesis, respiration is strengthened, causing nutrient synthesis to accelerate, which makes the plant grow leggy, thus leading to poor nutrition in the fruit and causing fruit drop. Likewise, if the temperature is too low, it will also affect photosynthesis, causing the plant's root absorption to be weaker, making the plant grow poorly and lack nutrients, causing fruit drop.

Preventive measures: The most suitable temperature for zucchini during flowering and fruiting is between 22-25 degrees. During the day it should stay within 30 degrees; above 30 degrees the above situations will occur. At night it needs to stay at 15-20 degrees; temperatures below 15 degrees are also not acceptable. When growing in a greenhouse, if it exceeds 30 degrees, ventilation can be increased to lower the temperature inside the greenhouse, while at low temperatures, cover and press down the boron film to prevent temperature loss.

3. Light

The way light causes fruit drop is the same as temperature. During rainy seasons, the plant cannot receive sufficient light, causing photosynthesis to weaken, so nutrient synthesis and accumulation decline, ultimately leading to fruit drop due to poor nutrition.

Preventive measures: In rainy weather with insufficient light, artificial supplemental lighting can be used to enhance photosynthesis, or fertilizer and water management can be strengthened so the plant has sufficient nutrients for growth and development.

4. Toxic gases

Toxic gases are also one of the causes of fruit drop, mainly occurring in greenhouse cultivation. When growing in a greenhouse, fertilizers and pesticides release some toxic gases as they decompose, and since the ventilation environment inside a greenhouse is generally poor, these gases will gradually accumulate. When they reach a certain amount, they will harm plant growth. For example, if carbon dioxide in the air is too high or too high, it will hinder photosynthesis and nutrient synthesis, leading to poor flower development and causing fruit drop. Also, sulfur dioxide forms sulfurous acid when it encounters moisture, and this substance also affects photosynthesis, causing the same effect.

Preventive measures: For this situation, ventilation should be strengthened. It can not only regulate the temperature and humidity in the greenhouse, but also has a very good regulating effect on these gases.

5. Poor pollination

Poor pollination is the main cause of zucchini fruit drop. Due to various reasons, zucchini experiences poor pollination or inability to pollinate, which prevents the embryo and endosperm from growing and developing normally. Combined with insufficient nutrient supply, the fruit cannot grow normally and fruit drop occurs.

Preventive measures: For poor pollination, artificial supplementary pollination should be carried out so that it can set fruit normally. The best time for artificial pollination is on a clear morning. Cut off the stamens, collect the pollen well, and then apply the pollen to the female flowers.

The above are the causes and preventive measures for zucchini fruit drop brought to you by QinNongNet. We hope it can help you. To learn more about zucchini cultivation knowledge, please stay tuned to QinNongNet.