Chaenomeles, commonly known as the hairy melon, is a unique variety of Cucurbita melo. In recent years, Shandong Shouguang has successfully implemented early spring cultivation of this squash in winter greenhouses, achieving significant economic returns. This innovative approach has not only boosted local agriculture but also demonstrated the potential of controlled environment farming.
1. **Variety Selection and Cultivation**
The selected variety, Shandong No.2, developed by Shandong Agricultural University, is known for its early maturity, high yield, and strong disease resistance. The plant has a sprawling growth habit, with the main vine reaching 2-3 meters in length. The first female flower appears on the 4th to 6th node, followed by one female flower every 3-5 nodes. It has excellent continuous fruiting ability, making it ideal for trellis cultivation in greenhouses.
2. **Nursery Preparation**
Seeds are sown in early January within a greenhouse, with a small arch shed added for protection. Zucchini seeds can be challenging to germinate, so soaking and pre-sprouting the seeds is recommended to produce strong seedlings. After emergence, the temperature should be kept between 20-25°C during the day and 10-15°C at night. Seedlings are ready for transplanting when they have three leaves and one heart, typically after 50-55 days.
3. **Transplanting**
In mid to late March, on sunny days, seedlings are transplanted into the field. Chaenomeles prefers well-drained soil with high moisture content, so raised beds are used. The beds are 80 cm apart, 20 cm high, and 40 cm wide. Before planting, 4,000 kg of fully decomposed chicken manure, 50 kg of NPK compound fertilizer, and 20 kg of potassium sulfate are incorporated into the soil. One day before planting, the seedbed is watered thoroughly. Plants are spaced 35 cm apart, resulting in approximately 2,500 plants per acre.
4. **Post-Planting Management**
- **Temperature Control**: After transplanting, the greenhouse is warmed to promote seedling growth. Temperatures are maintained at 25-28°C during the day and 12-18°C at night. During flowering, temperatures should be around 25-30°C, with nighttime temperatures slightly lower. In case of cold weather, temporary heating is necessary to keep the minimum night temperature above 8°C.
- **Fertilization and Irrigation**: After planting, seedlings are watered once, and irrigation is withheld until flowering and fruit set to encourage female flower development. Once fruits begin to set, regular watering and fertilization are carried out, with water applied every 10 days and fertilizer added each time. Approximately 10-15 kg of compound fertilizer per mu is recommended. Watering should be done in the morning on sunny days.
- **Pruning and Training**: After transplanting, one strong vine is selected, and weak ones are removed. When the main vine reaches 30-35 cm, it is laid horizontally to encourage root formation. Vines are then trained along hanging ropes. Care must be taken to prevent vines from climbing to the top of the greenhouse. Main vines are pruned before the first fruit, and lateral shoots are removed. After the first fruit sets, 2-3 side vines are retained to increase leaf area and fruit production. Typically, 5 fruits are harvested per plant, with 3 main vines and 2 side vines.
- **Artificial Pollination**: Due to the low rate of female flowers, artificial pollination is essential. Male flowers are collected between 8-11 am, their petals removed, and pollen applied to the stigma of female flowers. One male flower can pollinate 2-3 female flowers, ensuring better fruit set.
- **Pest and Disease Control**: High humidity in greenhouses makes the crop susceptible to diseases such as powdery mildew. At the first sign of infection, 72% Prochloraz or 75% chlorothalonil diluted 500 times is sprayed every 7-10 days for 3-4 applications. Common pests include aphids, whiteflies, and leafminers. Low-toxicity pesticides are used for early control to minimize residue.
- **Harvesting**: The tender fruits are ready for harvest about 20 days after flowering, when they weigh 350-500 grams. Timely harvesting ensures better quality and allows the plant to continue producing more fruits. Delayed harvesting may reduce the yield of subsequent crops.
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