In the process of growing fruits and vegetables, proper management is crucial to ensure high yield and quality. Here are some key practices that can be implemented:
First, timely pruning plays a significant role in plant growth. Pruning helps prevent excessive vegetative growth, reduces nutrient consumption, and encourages more fruit production. For example, after the first harvest of peppers, it's recommended to remove 8 branches growing above the 4 main branches near the base. This allows better air circulation and light penetration, reducing flower and fruit drop. Cucumbers should be topped when they have 25 leaves to promote the formation of the main fruit. Tomatoes should be pruned after the fourth flower and fruit set, leaving two leaves on the cluster to avoid early root and leaf senescence.
Second, removing old, dead, or diseased leaves from the lower parts of the plant is essential. This prevents the spread of diseases, improves ventilation, and reduces nutrient waste. It also promotes healthier plant growth by allowing more sunlight to reach the lower sections.
Third, timely topdressing ensures that plants receive adequate nutrients for optimal growth. After harvesting, applying decomposed manure or fertilizers like DAP (Diammonium Phosphate) and urea can significantly improve yield. For cucumbers and eggplants, about 10 kg of DAP per acre is recommended, while peppers benefit from around 12 kg of DAP. It's important to apply these nutrients through irrigation rather than digging pits to avoid damaging the roots.
Fourth, proper irrigation and cooling are vital during hot summer months. Watering should be done according to soil moisture and weather conditions, avoiding root damage. After heavy rains, drainage systems should be checked to prevent waterlogging and ensure healthy seedling development.
Fifth, disease prevention and control are critical for maintaining crop health. Aphids can be controlled by spraying 20% pyrethroid emulsion at a dilution of 800–1000 times. For cucumber powdery mildew, a 50% thiophanate solution diluted 800–1000 times or 25% powder rust WP at 1200 times can be used. For downy mildew, 40% ethyl phosphorus aluminum at 300–400 times or 25% toxic mildew at 1000 times is effective. Tomato gray mold can be managed with 75% chlorothalonil WP at 600–800 times or 50% thiophanate WP at 500 times. Eggplant blight can be treated with 75% chlorothalonil at 700 times or 50% chlorhexidine at 500 times. Spraying should be done every 7–10 days for 3–4 times to effectively manage the disease.
Lastly, early harvesting helps reduce nutrient consumption and prevents premature aging of the plants. Harvesting fruits and vegetables at the right time not only increases yield but also maintains plant vitality.
By implementing these practices, farmers can ensure better growth, higher yields, and improved quality of their crops. Proper care and attention throughout the growing season are essential for successful farming.
FOSHAN CITY KURUI LIGHTING CO.,LTD , https://www.kuruilighting.com