How to prevent premature aging in cucumbers? A detailed guide to prevention and control methods
When we grow cucumbers, although the yield of cucumbers is relatively high, we often encounter some problems that affect cucumber growth, especially in the middle and late stages. Premature aging often occurs, and premature aging in cucumbers seriously affects cucumber yield, and quality is reduced as a result. This in turn affects the growing benefits of growers. So when we grow cucumbers, how should we prevent premature aging? Let's take a look below!
1. Nourish and protect the roots
Part of the reason for premature aging in cucumbers is root aging. Therefore, to prevent premature aging in cucumbers, we must do a good job of nourishing and protecting the roots. The lowest temperature in the greenhouse must not exceed 25°C, to promote root growth. When watering, pay attention to the time; it is best to water before 10 o'clock, and do not water in the afternoon, to avoid the roots being unable to adapt due to high soil temperature and low water temperature, which instead causes damage. If the soil becomes compacted, remove the plastic film in time and carry out shallow intertillage hoeing to improve soil permeability and promote normal cucumber growth.
2. Fertilizer and water management
In the late stage of cucumber growth, we should do a reasonable job of water and fertilizer management according to the plant's growth condition. When topdressing, combine it with one watering and apply a high-nitrogen-and-potassium compound fertilizer by flushing, but be careful to control the amount to prevent excessive fertilizer from causing root burn in the cucumber plants. Usually topdress once every 2-3 weeks to provide sufficient nutrients for plant and fruit growth. For cucumber roots that have already begun to age in the late growth stage, appropriately apply a foliar fertilizer once, such as potassium dihydrogen phosphate, humic acid foliar fertilizer, etc., about once a week, to supplement the nutrients the plant lacks due to insufficient root capacity and slow down the aging process of the plant.
3. Prevent high-temperature heat damage
After the temperature in the cucumber greenhouse exceeds 30°C, do a good job of ventilation and cooling. Especially in the afternoon, when the temperature is higher, increase the ventilation openings. Then, according to weather changes and the actual soil moisture content, do a good job of watering to cool down, mainly with frequent small waterings, to avoid heat damage that hinders the growth of cucumber stems and leaves and leads to premature aging. If ventilation, irrigation and other cooling methods are not very ideal, then promptly cover with a shade net, which can effectively lower the temperature. However, note that the shade net can only be covered under high temperature and strong light; when natural light weakens or when natural light is insufficient on cloudy and rainy days, be sure to pull the shade net open in time.
4. Strengthen management
During the cucumber growth period, control the height of the plants well. If the cucumber stems and vines approach the top of the greenhouse, promptly lower the vines. When lowering the vines, also pay attention to the height; if it is too low, it is very unfavorable to cucumber growth. After lowering the vines, the plant height should be kept at about 1.5 m, and the plants should retain at least 20 functional leaves. The leaves should remain evenly distributed on the plants to improve photosynthetic efficiency. Then promptly remove diseased and insect-damaged leaves and fruits, such as withered leaves, yellow leaves, pest- and disease-damaged fruits, deformed fruits, etc. This avoids consuming too many nutrients, concentrates nutrients on healthy fruits, and can also improve permeability and promote plant growth.
The above is a brief introduction to how to prevent premature aging in cucumbers. In addition to the above, we must also do a good job of pest and disease control to ensure healthy cucumber growth. That is all for today's introduction. This article is for reference only, and we hope it can help everyone!