What key management techniques are needed for growing loofah?

Depending on the fruiting period, loofah can be divided into plum melon, summer melon and autumn melon. Loofah generally begins to flower and set fruit in mid-to-late June. From flowering and fruit set to mature harvest, plum melon takes 45-50 days, summer melon 35-40 days, and autumn melon about 50 days. To achieve simultaneous setting of all three melon types, early fruiting and premium-quality loofah, the following aspects should be emphasized in cultivation:

1. Removing male flowersAfter the vines climb the trellis, pruning and bud removal must be carried out continuously along with the removal of an appropriate number of male flowers. Generally, only one main vine is retained per plant, and other side branches and buds should be removed at any time. Loofah bears female and male flowers at the same node, and male flowers are numerous. To reduce nutrient consumption, more than 70% of male flower buds can be removed promptly; when removing male buds, be careful not to damage the female buds at the same node.

?2. Keeping superior melons and removing inferior onesFor each loofah plant, only 1-2 superior melons are selected and retained per fruiting period. The young melons selected for retention should be well-proportioned from top to bottom, straight in shape, with a thick and sturdy stalk rather than a thin, elongated one. At the same time, on the several nodes before the selected small melon, temporarily retain one young melon first to compete for nutrients. Once the selected superior melon has grown large enough that it will not split, remove the small melon in front. The set melons must not be left resting on top of the trellis; they should be lowered promptly to hang freely. If the melon develops a bow shape, it must be straightened manually (a small stone can be hung on the flower base).

3. FertilizationRational application of topdressing plays an important role in loofah fruit set and in filling and swelling. The timing, frequency and amount of topdressing depend on the growth vigor of the loofah and the amount of fruit set: when the first-period young melons reach more than 4 cm in diameter, the first topdressing must be applied, with about 3 kg of pure nitrogen per mu (equivalent to about 7 kg of urea); 10 days later, apply 4-5 kg of pure nitrogen per mu (equivalent to about 10 kg of urea) to promote swelling and filling of the loofah; thereafter, apply topdressing about once every 15 days, using 4-5 kg of pure nitrogen per mu each time (equivalent to about 10 kg of urea).

Note: In terms of fertilization method, pouring application should be the main approach, applied alternately at about 50 cm away from the stem base to prevent fertilizer burn near the roots.