The Institute of Horticulture, Sichuan Academy of Agricultural Sciences successfully implemented organic ecological soilless cultivation using organic steel frame sheds after the harvest of green balsam pear. The yield reached 3,000 kg per mu (1 mu = 1/15 hectare), significantly enhancing economic returns. This innovative approach not only improved productivity but also promoted sustainable farming practices.
First, the cultivation facilities were constructed as greenhouses with specific dimensions: inner diameter 30 cm, depth 30 cm, and length 2,100 cm. The spacing between the troughs was set at 100 cm for aisles, with a slope of approximately 2%. A 0.1 mm thick plastic film was laid at the base of the troughs, followed by a 5 to 10 cm layer of clean slag. The slag was then filled with a sterilized growing medium composed of slag and sludge in a 6:4 ratio. For every cubic meter of substrate, 3 kg of vegetable fertilizer and 10 kg of dried chicken manure were mixed in. Five cubic meters of reservoirs were built outside the greenhouse, along with an independent water-saving irrigation system.
Second, strong seedlings were cultivated using emerald varieties. Seeds were soaked in warm water on June 22nd, and after dewing, about 70% of the seeds were sown. Seedlings were grown in 8 cm x 8 cm nutrient cups using a mix of peat, vermiculite, and perlite in a 1:1:1 ratio. Each square meter of substrate was enriched with 5–8 kg of dried chicken manure and 2 kg of ternary compound fertilizer. After mixing, the substrate was placed into the nutrient cups. Water was added until the cups were fully saturated, and one seed was placed in each cup. The seeds were then covered with 2 cm of moist fine substrate. Pre-emergence temperatures were maintained at 28–30°C, while post-emergence temperatures were kept around 25°C. The temperature should be kept around 15°C, and the substrate must remain moist.
During summer, shading nets were used to protect the seedlings from high temperatures and promote healthy growth. To prevent excessive growth, a 300 ppm solution of chlormethan was sprayed, typically applied every 15–20 days. When the seedlings had 1–2 true leaves, they were ready for transplanting.
Third, planting began after July 5th. The fine matrix in the troughs was turned and leveled, and water was poured after infiltration. Green balsam pear plants were spaced 20 cm apart, with a total of 2,200 mu planted. After planting, the first watering was done to help the roots establish.
Fourth, field management included careful fertilizer and water control. Seven days after planting, the seedlings were watered to maintain moisture. Once fruit set occurred, watering was done on sunny afternoons, adjusting based on the moisture level of the substrate. Fertilization started 20 days after planting, with 200 kg of sterilized chicken manure and 20 kg of ternary compound fertilizer applied every 15 days. Fertilizers were buried 10 cm from the plant base, 5 cm deep in the matrix, followed by irrigation. Carbon dioxide enrichment was also used when necessary to improve growth.
Temperature and light management were critical. During the day, greenhouse temperatures were kept between 20–25°C, and at night between 12°C. After fruit setting, daytime temperatures were raised to 25–28°C, and nighttime temperatures to 15°C. In the early stage (June–August), shading nets were used for cooling and dehumidification. From September to November, greenhouses were closed to extend the harvesting period.
Fifth, vine training began when the vines reached 30–40 cm in length. Vines were guided onto two steel wires placed at intervals of 160 cm and 80 cm above the ground. Lateral branches below the first female flower node were removed, and lateral branches were pruned to leave 1–2 leaves. Tendrils were cut off to conserve nutrients. As the vines grew, they were regularly tied down, keeping their height under 160 cm. Male flowers and diseased stems and leaves were also removed to prevent nutrient waste and disease spread.
Sixth, artificial pollination was carried out by picking male flowers between 6–9 am and gently applying them to the female stigma. Alternatively, a 20–30 mg/kg rhodans solution could be applied before 10 am to enhance pollination.
Lastly, disease prevention focused on downy mildew, which is common in greenhouses. Preventive measures such as proper ventilation, timely removal of infected leaves, and spraying with 25% mancozeb wettable powder (800 times dilution) or 75% chlorothalonil (500 times dilution) were recommended. Spraying was done every 7–10 days for 2–3 times.
Green bitter gourd could be harvested and sold 55 days after planting. Harvesting was done when the fruits were fully developed to avoid premature aging of the vines and ensure maximum yield.
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