Zucchini Fruit Abortion: Causes and Prevention Measures Explained
Zucchini commonly shows fruit abortion during cultivation. Fruit abortion refers to the fruit stopping its enlargement midway, then beginning to yellow and wilt, and finally turning into a shriveled fruit. This phenomenon occurs both before and after flowering. So what causes fruit abortion in zucchini? How should it be prevented? Let's take a look together with Qinnong Web.
1. Variety
There are certain physiological differences among zucchini varieties. When different varieties are planted in different regions, their fruit abortion rates also differ. Experiments have shown that varieties that produce more endogenous hormones during the seedling stage have a lower rate of fruit abortion.
Prevention 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 abortion.
2. Temperature
Temperature is also one of the main causes of fruit abortion in zucchini. If the temperature is too high, it will have a certain effect on the plant's photosynthesis, respiration is strengthened, causing nutrient synthesis to speed up, which makes the plant grow excessively, thus leading to poor nutrition in the fruit and causing fruit abortion. Likewise, if the temperature is too low, it will also affect photosynthesis, causing weaker root absorption in the plant, resulting in poor plant growth and lack of nutrients, causing fruit abortion.
Prevention measures: The most suitable temperature for zucchini during flowering and fruiting is between 22-25 degrees, kept within 30 degrees during the day. Above 30 degrees, the above situation will occur. At night it needs to be kept 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. When the temperature is low, cover and press down the boron film to prevent heat from escaping.
3. Light
The way light causes fruit abortion is the same as with temperature. During rainy seasons, the plant cannot receive sufficient light, causing photosynthesis to weaken, so nutrient synthesis and accumulation decline, ultimately leading to fruit abortion due to poor nutrition.
Prevention measures: In cloudy and rainy weather with insufficient light, artificial supplemental lighting can be used to enhance photosynthesis, or fertilizer and water management can be strengthened so that the plant has sufficient nutrients for growth and development.
4. Toxic gases
Toxic gases are also one of the causes of fruit abortion, mainly occurring in greenhouse cultivation. In greenhouse cultivation, fertilizers and chemicals release some toxic gases as they decompose. Coupled with the generally poor ventilation environment inside the greenhouse, 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, it will affect photosynthesis and hinder nutrient synthesis, leading to poor flower development and causing fruit abortion. Also, sulfur dioxide reacts with water to form sulfurous acid, and this substance also affects photosynthesis, causing the same effect.
Prevention measures: In response to this situation, ventilation should be strengthened. It not only regulates 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 fruit abortion in zucchini. When zucchini suffers poor pollination or cannot be pollinated for various reasons, the embryo and endosperm cannot grow and develop normally. Combined with an insufficient supply of nutrients, the fruit cannot grow normally and fruit abortion occurs.
Prevention 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 the morning of a sunny day. Cut off the stamens, collect the pollen well, and then apply the pollen to the female flowers.
The above are the causes and prevention measures of zucchini fruit abortion brought to you by Qinnong Web. We hope it can help you. To learn more about zucchini cultivation, please stay tuned to Qinnong Web.