High-coldly exposed vegetable marrow cultivation techniques
Piezoelectric System Scaler,Dental Piezo Scaler,Dental Piezosurgery Scaler,Piezo System Scaler Rolence Enterprise Inc. , https://www.rolencedent.com
In high-altitude areas, the cold climate offers an ideal environment for growing summer squash during the summer season. Planting is typically done from late May to early June, allowing the crop to be available in the market from late July to early August—when summer squash is usually out of season nationwide. On average, 667 square meters can yield over 4,000 kilograms, with an output value reaching around 1,500 yuan. The following are the key cultivation techniques.
1. **Variety Selection**
The French Tezier's Tianyu zucchini is highly recommended due to its resistance to several viruses, including watermelon mosaic virus, cucumber mosaic virus, and zucchini yellow spot virus. It has a long melon shape, medium green skin, good commercial value, moderate growth, and high yield.
2. **Cultivation Techniques**
**2.1 Land Preparation**
Choose well-drained, fertile loamy soil that was previously used for non-melon crops. Apply 3–5 m³ of fully decomposed organic manure, along with 80 kg of U.S.-produced diammonium phosphate or 50 kg of Israeli or Chilean granular potassium nitrate compound fertilizer. Add 1.5–2.5 kg of trace elements. A combination of surface spreading and ditch-based fertilization is recommended, with 60% of the fertilizer spread on the ground, then mixed into the soil after deep plowing. To control soil pests, apply "soil pest killer" as needed.
**2.2 Ridge Formation**
Create ridges 180 cm long, with an average height of 15 cm. The ridge slope should be higher inside and lower outside for easy plastic film coverage. Leave 40 cm between ridges. Plant at 50 cm spacing in a triangular pattern on the side of the ditch.
**2.3 Seedling Cultivation**
Soak seeds in warm water (30°C) for 4–6 hours, then dry and germinate them at 28–30°C until shoots reach 0.2–0.4 cm. For better results, use pre-prepared nutrient soil made from disease-free soil and well-decomposed farmyard manure in a 3:7 or 4:6 ratio. Fill 10 cm × 10 cm pots with the mix, water thoroughly, and add insecticides like phoxim to prevent underground pests. After watering, spray Green Heng 1 at 3,000 times dilution to prevent seedling diseases.
**2.4 Sowing and Temperature Control**
Sow in mid-to-late May in cold areas to avoid frost damage. Place seeds in the center of a small hole, cover with 2 cm of moist soil, and cover with plastic film and insect nets. Maintain temperatures between 25–30°C during the day and 18–20°C at night. Once seedlings emerge, reduce temperature to 25°C during the day and 13–14°C at night. Two weeks before transplanting, lower night temperatures to 10–12°C to harden off the plants.
**2.5 Water Management**
Avoid excessive watering unless there is drought. 8–10 days before transplanting, gradually lower the temperature to 15–25°C during the day and 6–8°C at night to acclimate the seedlings.
**2.6 Transplanting**
Before transplanting, treat the seedlings with "Aketai" or a net to prevent aphids and whiteflies. Transplant when the seedlings have two leaves and one heart. Use a 140 cm wide row with 40 cm between small rows and 50 cm spacing between plants. Plant in a triangular pattern to improve air circulation and light exposure. Cover with black mulch film to reduce humidity and weed growth.
**2.7 Post-Transplant Care**
During the first 20–25 days after transplanting, focus on root development, water control, and disease prevention. Water only if necessary, and apply 500 kg of compost or urine nitrogen per 10–15 kg per 667 m². Avoid overwatering, which can lead to excessive vegetative growth and fruit drop. If seedlings become leggy, spray 50% Chestnut at 600 times dilution. Remove excess fruits to prevent premature flowering and ensure large, high-quality melons.
**2.8 Fertilizer and Water Management**
When the first melons reach 10 cm, apply top-dressing fertilizer with 10–15 kg of diammonium or triple compound fertilizer per 667 m². Repeat after each harvest with 20–25 kg of potassium sulfate or triple compound fertilizer. Water every 3–5 days.
**2.9 Vine Training and Pruning**
Train vines to grow in one direction for better air circulation and light penetration. Thin out weak or excess fruits to prevent falling and ensure uniform growth. Remove diseased or old leaves to reduce disease risk.
**2.10 Pollination**
If natural pollination is insufficient, perform artificial pollination by transferring pollen from male to female flowers.
**2.11 Harvesting**
Harvest continuously from the main vine. Early harvesting prevents the lower melons from affecting the upper ones. Harvest in the morning, avoiding damage to the plant and ensuring tender vines are not missed.
**2.12 Pest and Disease Control**
Monitor and control aphids, whiteflies, and leaf miners. Use imidacloprid, deltamethrin, or acetamiprid for aphids and whiteflies. For leaf miners, apply amycin EC or Ruijinte suspension. For downy mildew, use Preclosure, Kelu, or Anke Zinc wettable powders. For viral diseases, spray bacteriostatic agents or Poison Buster WP.
By following these techniques, farmers can achieve high yields, quality produce, and efficient resource use in high-altitude summer squash cultivation.