Edible Mushroom Disease Prevention and Control Methods and Nutrient Solution Formulas for Soilless Flower Cultivation

Compared with soil-cultivated flowers, soilless-cultivated flowers have the following advantages: (1) Good quality. The nutrient solution for soilless flower cultivation is formulated according to the growth needs of the flowers, so the flowers produced are large and numerous, strongly fragrant, brightly colored, and long-lasting in bloom. (2) Saves nutrients, water, and labor. For soilless-cultivated flowers, it is only necessary to regularly replenish the nutrient solution for the plants; the operation is simple and saves labor and time. (3) Clean, free of weeds, and with few pests and diseases. For soilless flower cultivation, the main points to grasp are the following two:

1. Substrate preparation. The main function of the soilless cultivation substrate is to fix the flower plants within the container. Currently, commonly used soilless cultivation substrates in China include: (1) Sand particles with a diameter of less than 3 mm. (2) Natural gravel, pumice, volcanic rock, etc. with a diameter greater than 3 mm. (3) Vermiculite, a mica-type mineral with good buffering capacity that does not sink in water. (4) Perlite. Using it mixed with mudstone and sand gives better results. (5) Peat with good air permeability and strong water-holding capacity. It can be used alone as a substrate or mixed with cinder, etc. In addition, cinder, brick pieces, charcoal, asbestos, sawdust, fern roots, bark, etc. can all be used as substrates. The substrate should be washed and disinfected before use.

2. Nutrient solution preparation. The various elements and their amounts used in preparing the nutrient solution for soilless flower cultivation should be determined according to the flower variety being cultivated, its different growth stages, and different regions. Here is one example formula: add 0.22 g of ammonium phosphate, 1.05 g of potassium nitrate, 0.16 g each of ammonium sulfate and ammonium nitrate, and 0.01 g of ferrous sulfate to 1 liter of water, and mix well to obtain the nutrient solution. Containers for preparing and storing the nutrient solution should be made of ceramic, enamel, plastic, or glassware; never use metal containers. Directions for use: for potted flowers during the growth period, apply the nutrient solution once a week, and the amount can be flexibly adjusted according to plant size.

3. Several common hydroponic plants are as follows: mostly plants with enlarged bulbs and some aquatic plants.

Narcissus: A plant of the Amaryllidaceae family, with a plump bulb that stores abundant nutrients and white fleshy roots clustered at the base. In autumn and winter, place it in a container, use beautiful pebbles or colored stones to protect the roots, or allow the roots to grow as much as possible. Generally, it can bloom after 45—60 days of indoor cultivation. Placing a pot indoors in winter is clean and elegant, with fragrance filling the air, and it is regarded as a traditional New Year festival flower. Narcissus cultivation requires no added nutrients and can still grow very well. Generally, to prevent excessive elongation, let it receive sunlight during the day, and at night pour out the water in the container and use wet gauze to protect the roots; this can control excessive elongation and make it robust and attractive.

Hyacinth: A plant of the Liliaceae family, also a bulbous flower. The hydroponic method is also relatively simple. Choose a container whose mouth can hold the bulb, preferably a gourd-shaped container that is small at the top and large at the bottom, with transparent glass being better. The water temperature should not be high; below 15°C is better. Place the bulb on the neck of the bottle. After roots develop, lower the water level until it just touches the roots, which is best, so that the roots can fully absorb oxygen and promote root growth. After the roots develop, cover the cultivation container with black cloth to allow the bulb to develop further. In winter, move the container to a place with ample sunlight to encourage large and sturdy flowers. Hyacinth inflorescences are full, colors are diverse, and the roots are pure white. Several hyacinth plants can also be planted in a fish tank, with sand as the substrate and accompanied by shade-loving ferns, forming a small scene full of wild charm that is also very unique. Containers for hydroponic plants should be attractive and distinctive in shape. Sometimes some household items such as goblets and wine bottles can also be chosen, and wide-mouthed containers can also be used. Placing a pot of hydroponic plants on a desk or table, with clear water and brilliant flowers, is refreshing and uplifting.