What causes flower topping in cucumbers? Causes and control methods
Flower topping in cucumbers, also called "flowers hugging the head," is a common physiological phenomenon in greenhouse cultivation. This phenomenon often causes cucumber yield reduction, and in severe cases leads to total crop failure, seriously affecting growers' interests. So what causes flower topping in cucumbers? Is there any way to solve it? Let's take a look.
1. Abnormal temperature
Abnormal temperature is the main cause of flower topping in cucumbers. In the early growth stage, a large day-night temperature difference prevents the nutrients produced by the leaves during the day from being transported to other parts in time, causing the leaves to become dark green and wrinkled, accelerating aging and affecting photosynthesis. Under low-temperature conditions, plant growth is inhibited, and reproductive growth exceeds vegetative growth, causing flower topping.
Prevention methods: Pay attention to temperature changes during cultivation. During high daytime temperatures, strengthen greenhouse ventilation to lower the temperature inside; at night when the temperature is lower, close the greenhouse to raise the internal temperature and reduce the day-night temperature difference.
2. Imbalance of fertilizer and water
After cucumbers are planted, if the organic fertilizer applied is not fully decomposed or not thoroughly mixed with the soil, the high-concentration fertilizer comes into direct contact with the plant roots, causing root burn, weakening the roots' absorption capacity and causing physiological drought, which leads to flower topping. In addition, long-term lack of water can also cause flower topping.
Prevention methods: Strengthen fertilizer and water management. When applying base fertilizer, choose fully decomposed organic fertilizer, and after application, mix it evenly with the soil through plowing. Water promptly after planting to reduce fertilizer concentration so the roots can absorb it quickly. Water promptly during drought to keep the soil moist; conversely, in rainy seasons, take good drainage and waterlogging prevention measures.
3. Root damage
During the seedling stage and at planting, root damage may be caused by certain factors, such as root burn from excessive fertilizer concentration as mentioned above, root rot from excessive soil water accumulation, or root breakage during transplanting. These causes of root damage make flower topping highly likely to occur.
Prevention methods: Do a good job in cultivation management and avoid root damage caused by the above factors.
4. Pesticide damage
Improper use of pesticides during cultivation, excessive use of fumigants or fungicides, or overly frequent application can inhibit the plant's growing points and cause flower topping.
Prevention methods: When using pesticides, strictly follow the instructions; do not apply excessively or too frequently, so as to reduce the impact of pesticide damage on the plants.
5. Treatment methods
When flower topping occurs in cucumbers, do not treat it blindly. First, thin the flowers and fruits: remove all the top flowers and cucumbers from part of the plant. Then apply amino acid fertilizer and zinc fertilizer; in winter, first dissolve them in water before applying. The next day, mix 30 grams of glucose and 50 grams of urea into one bucket of water and spray it on the leaves to fertilize the flowers and protect the fruits. Do this once every 10 days, and the effect is excellent.
The above are the causes of flower topping in cucumbers and the control methods. We hope it helps you. To learn more about cucumber cultivation, please stay tuned to us.