Causes of and preventive measures for sudden seedling death in greenhouse cucumbers

In the process of off-season cucumber cultivation in greenhouses, it often happens that cucumbers which were growing well previously suddenly die off acutely. This kind of acute seedling death develops extremely rapidly, and often by the time prevention and control measures are taken, large-scale seedling death has already occurred. So how can sudden seedling death in greenhouse cucumbers be prevented? Let's take a look together.

I. Causes of acute seedling death

There are many causes of acute seedling death in greenhouse cucumbers, triggered by multiple factors. For example, weather-related causes: continuous overcast, rainy or snowy days, or sudden clearing after rain, with excessively large temperature differences causing rapid seedling death. When cucumbers enter the flowering and fruiting stage, on sunny days with high temperatures, if ventilation is excessive, leaf transpiration becomes heavy, and some plants with poor root development begin to shrink, and severe water loss can cause the entire plant to wither and die. Cold damage or freezing damage can cause partial breakage of the greenhouse film surface, and invasion by cold wind can cause wilting and seedling death. In addition, excessive fertilizer concentration, especially when chemical fertilizer is applied close to the base of the roots, can very easily burn the roots with concentrated fertilizer and cause seedling death.

II. Preventive measures

1. Water appropriately

The root system of cucumbers is relatively well developed, but new roots mostly form concentrated in the surface layer of the soil. To avoid suppressing the root system itself due to mistakes in watering, water less at transplanting and water the seedlings after establishment as appropriate. When temperatures are low, soil moisture is high, or during continuous overcast and rainy days, water less or not at all after seedling establishment. After cucumbers enter the peak fruiting stage, watering should be combined with fertilization, generally once every 10 days, and strictly guard against concentrated fertilizer damaging the roots. Watering is best done in the morning on sunny days; remember not to water in the afternoon or evening. At the same time, in the greenhouse, flood irrigation should not be used on overcast and rainy days; instead, water frequently in small or large amounts as appropriate.

2. Reasonably control humidity

In the early stage after transplanting, ventilation is generally not used. During the day, keep the humidity in the greenhouse between 25-30 degrees, and at night keep it between 12-15 degrees, and it must not be lower than 10 degrees. As the cucumber seedlings grow, adjust ventilation and control temperature in a timely manner. Once the daytime temperature rises to 30 degrees, ventilate; when it drops to 28 degrees in the afternoon, close the greenhouse. During the fruiting stage, the temperature must not be lower than 12 degrees.

3. Regular maintenance

When cultivating cucumbers in a greenhouse, pay attention to the ditches and paths around it, ensuring they are loose and unobstructed so that drainage and irrigation can be carried out in a timely manner. Drainage must be convenient and unobstructed. Every day, also check whether the greenhouse film is damaged or has uncovered gaps, and repair it promptly to preserve and increase warmth.

The above introduction to the causes of and preventive measures for sudden seedling death in greenhouse cucumbers is hoped to be helpful to you. To learn more related knowledge, please keep following us.