What causes hollow stem in broccoli, and how should it be prevented and controlled?
Broccoli, also known as green cauliflower or green broccoli, is now cultivated in many regions of China. Because of its high nutritional value, market demand is growing larger and larger, and more and more people are growing it. However, many people often encounter hollow stem during cultivation. So what causes it? How should it be prevented and controlled? Let's take a look together.
1. Seed causes
The main cause of normal broccoli hollow stem is a seed problem. When sowing, if the variety chosen is not suitable for the local climate and soil, then the possibility of hollow stem occurring is very high. If saved seed is chosen, genetic variation may also occur during the broccoli growth process, thereby causing broccoli hollow stem.
Prevention and control methods: When planting, the sowing time, soil characteristics, weather conditions and other factors should be taken into account to select broccoli varieties that are suitable for local sowing, not prone to hollow stem, and high yielding.
2. Temperature and humidity causes
Broccoli has relatively high growth requirements. The optimal growth temperature is 15-25°C. If the temperature is too high or too low, broccoli growth will speed up, and insufficient nutrient supply in the soil will lead to hollow stem. In addition, during the growth process, the demand for water is also relatively high. If the soil is too dry or watering is improper, the plant will also lose water, resulting in hollow stem.
Prevention and control methods: When planting broccoli, the planting time should be reasonably arranged according to local climate characteristics, avoiding high temperatures when the broccoli head is growing rapidly. When soil humidity is too high, watering should be controlled to prevent humidity from continuing to increase. After the rainy season, drain water promptly to reduce humidity.
3. Improper fertilization
Broccoli has high yield and also relatively high nutrient demand. If too much fertilizer is applied, it is not only unfavorable to broccoli growth, but instead causes broccoli to grow excessively, resulting in hollow stem. If boron is deficient, it will also cause changes in the tissue wall structure inside the broccoli stem, and the tissues inside the stem will degenerate, resulting in hollow stem.
Prevention and control methods: Fertilization for broccoli should be based on actual conditions, with scientific and reasonable fertilization. Nitrogen fertilizer should be appropriately controlled, and more organic fertilizer or organic fertilizer should be applied.
4. Harvest time
Broccoli harvest time is also very important. If harvested too late, the water in the plant decreases, which will not only cause broccoli hollow stem, but also cause the broccoli head to loosen and the buds to wither, reducing commercial value; if harvested too early, the broccoli head has not fully grown, reducing broccoli yield.
Prevention and control methods: The optimal harvest time for broccoli is when the period from head formation to harvest is 10-15 days, and when the head diameter grows to 12-15 cm. Farmers should harvest at the right time.
The above is an introduction to the causes of broccoli hollow stem and prevention and control methods. We hope it can help you. If you want to learn more related knowledge, please follow us.