What to Do About Deformed Zucchini Fruits? Cause Analysis and Control Methods

When growing and producing zucchini, deformed fruits often appear, which seriously affects the yield and quality of zucchini and causes economic losses for farmers. So what causes zucchini deformities? And how should they be prevented and controlled? Let's take a look.

1. Imbalanced fertilizer and water

In the early fruit-setting stage of zucchini, if fertilizer and water are insufficient, pointed-tip fruits are very likely to form; if fertilizer and water are insufficient in the middle stage, thin-waisted fruits are very likely to form; if fertilizer and water are insufficient in the late stage, slender crooked-stem fruits are very likely to form, so fertilizer and water management is extremely important.

Control method: During the fruit-setting stage, meet its fertilizer and water needs, be sure to apply sufficient base fertilizer, carry out reasonable topdressing, and at the same time water frequently to keep the soil moist and ensure the supply of fertilizer and water, but also pay attention to the supply amount, because excessive fertilizer and water can also cause deformities.

2. Poor pollination

During pollination, environments of low temperature and high humidity or high temperature and drought, plus fewer pollinating insects such as bees, often lead to poor pollination quality and uneven pollen distribution, which results in deformed fruits.

Control method: In areas that use manual pollination, at around 9 a.m., pick male flowers, remove the corolla, and gently place the anther onto the stigma of the female flower. Generally, one male flower can pollinate 3-4 female flowers.

3. Unsuitable temperature

During the fruiting stage, if the temperature is too high or too low, it will greatly affect the plant's photosynthesis, causing insufficient nutrient synthesis, so the fruit does not have enough nutrients to grow, thereby causing deformities.

Control method: Pay attention to temperature regulation. Early-maturing varieties can be grown in greenhouses or plastic tunnels to increase and preserve heat. Zucchini can adapt to temperatures of 15-38 degrees, and the suitable growing temperature is 18-25 degrees, so according to changes in air temperature, adjust the application of removing and covering the film.

4. Flower problems

Fruits formed from zucchini's own defective female flowers or bisexual flowers, under conditions of low temperature or weak light, have poor flower bud differentiation and are very likely to form deformed fruits.

Control method: This situation is relatively rare, and its frequency of occurrence is not high. If this situation occurs frequently, replace the variety in time.

The above is an introduction to the causes of deformed zucchini fruits and the control methods. We hope it can help you. If you want to learn more related knowledge, please follow us.