Broccoli Hollow Stem Control Methods and Edible Mushroom Fertilization Techniques

1. Choose varieties that are less prone to hollow stem; this is one of the most effective ways to prevent hollow stem.

2. When scheduling broccoli sowing, avoid the curd growth period coinciding with high temperatures. Sow at the appropriate time according to the growth period of the chosen variety, cultivate strong seedlings, and transplant at the right time. Plant at a reasonable density according to the characteristics of the variety used. Generally, a suitable plant spacing is 30-45 cm and row spacing is 60-70 cm.

3. Choose plots with good drainage and irrigation, and determine the type and amount of fertilizer based on soil nutrient status. Always keep the soil alternating between dry and moist.

4. During the curd growth period, apply little or no nitrogen fertilizer, and increase phosphorus and potassium fertilizer. If symptoms of boron or molybdenum deficiency are found, promptly spray molybdenum fertilizer and boron fertilizer on the leaves. You can apply 0.75 kg of boron fertilizer per mu as base fertilizer, then use another 0.75 kg of boron fertilizer for foliar topdressing.

5. Harvesting too early means the curd has not fully grown and the yield is low; harvesting too late makes hollow stem likely, and the curd is prone to loosening and bud blight, losing its commercial value. Generally, it takes 10-15 days from curd emergence to harvest. The harvest standard is a curd transverse diameter of 12-15 cm, a compact curd, and buds with no yellowing or necrosis.