What to Do About Cucumber Plant Death? Cause Analysis and Control Measures
During the cultivation of cucumbers, plant death often occurs, which brings huge losses to growers. So what causes cucumber plant death? How should it be prevented and controlled? Let's take a look at the detailed introduction together.
1. Fertilizer damage
Applying incompletely decomposed farmyard manure during fertilization will release a large amount of heat as it decomposes, causing root scorch and plant death; or applying chemical fertilizer at too high a concentration, especially during the seedling stage when the root system has not yet spread out, will cause the roots to die.
Control measures: Apply fully decomposed fertilizer. Farmyard manure and organic fertilizer must undergo sufficient fermentation and decomposition before application. When applying chemical fertilizer, pay attention to the concentration; it can be diluted with water and then applied by the flushing method.
2. Waterlogging and root rot
During continuous rainy weather or when it suddenly clears up after rain, cucumbers will become deformed; if this lasts too long, it will lead to plant death. In addition, waterlogging at the seedling stage can also cause plant death. When the seedbed or the field after transplanting is watered too much at one time or the soil moisture is too high, the roots will rot, causing the aboveground parts to wilt until the plant dies.
Control measures: Pay attention to water management. During continuous rain or when it suddenly clears up after rain, expose the plants to light gradually, and provide shade and water promptly when wilting occurs. When watering, avoid flood irrigation; instead, water frequently and in small amounts.
3. Freeze damage
When cucumbers encounter a low temperature of minus 10 degrees, damage will occur. Many farmers often prepare to sow because winter temperatures have been high for many years, and when low temperatures hit, they cannot defend in time, resulting in plant death from freeze damage.
Control measures: Take protective measures during low-temperature periods. By increasing light and reducing ventilation, raise the temperature inside the greenhouse to prevent freeze damage to the plants.
4. Pests and diseases
Many pests and diseases of cucumber can cause plant death. Death at the seedling stage is mostly caused by damping-off and Rhizoctonia rot, while after transplanting it is mostly caused by Fusarium wilt, Phytophthora blight, root rot, gummy stem blight, root-knot nematode disease, and so on.
Control methods: Choose varieties with strong disease resistance. When diseased plants are found, pull them out promptly and carry them out of the field, then disinfect the planting holes well, and at the same time spray pesticides comprehensively for control.
The above is an introduction to the causes of cucumber plant death and control measures. We hope it can help you. If you want to learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.