Detailed Explanation of Post-Autumn Pepper Management Techniques

For open-field cultivated peppers, the harvest period runs from June all the way to November. Although post-autumn pepper output accounts for only 30%-40% of total output, since September to November is the off-season for the fresh pepper market, fresh peppers fetch high prices during this period, and the economic benefit is often 3-4 times that of the peak fruiting period when peppers are concentrated on the market. However, people habitually relax field management after harvesting through the peak fruiting period (July), causing plants to decline in growth and yields to drop rapidly, so that there is almost no harvest after autumn. Therefore, strengthening post-autumn pepper management and protecting the plants significantly improves economic benefits. The main measures are as follows:

1. Cooling and moisture retention. During autumn droughts and periods of higher temperatures, irrigation water should be introduced in a timely manner to keep the soil moist. When irrigating, the principle of "one shallow, two quick, three cool" should be followed, that is, irrigate shallowly without flooding over the beds; irrigate and drain quickly, without letting the field water stand for long; irrigate when the soil is cool, the water is cool and the weather is cool, generally best done from midnight to before dawn. In addition, using crop straw such as rice straw and wheat straw to cover the bed surface can both lower the ground temperature and reduce water evaporation, helping to retain water and moisture and extend the plant's growth period. If rainy weather occurs, clear the ditches and drain waterlogging in a timely manner, so that the field is dry once the rain stops.

2. Topdressing to promote growth. In hot seasons, in combination with irrigation, apply dilute human and livestock manure water 2-3 times per mu, 1000-1500 kg each time per mu, which can be splashed on after irrigation when the soil is slightly dry. After the weather turns cool, peppers enter the vigorous fruiting period, and the plants' nutrient demand increases. Before the end of October, topdressing should be applied 3-4 times, 10 kg of compound fertilizer per mu each time, to promote vigorous plant growth and improve pepper yield and quality.

3. Protecting roots and preserving leaves. In later-stage management, special attention should be paid to protecting the roots and leaves of peppers. Once pests or diseases are found, pesticides with high efficiency, low toxicity and a short residual period should be applied promptly for control, so as not to damage the leaves. When cultivating and weeding, methods such as shallow hoeing and manual pulling should be used to prevent damage to the root system and avoid affecting the plant's absorption capacity. He Fang