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), delivering excellent economic returns. This innovative approach not only improved productivity but also ensured a more sustainable and environmentally friendly farming method.
First, the cultivation facilities were built using bricks to create greenhouses with inner dimensions of 30 cm in diameter, 30 cm in depth, and 2,100 cm in length. These troughs were spaced 100 cm apart for aisles, with a slope of approximately 2%. A 0.1 mm thick plastic film was laid at the base, followed by a 5–10 cm layer of clean slag. The slag was filled with a sterilized growing medium composed of a 6:4 ratio of slag to sludge. Additionally, 3 kg of vegetable fertilizer and 10 kg of dry chicken manure were mixed per cubic meter of substrate before filling the troughs. Five cubic meter reservoirs were installed outside the greenhouse, along with an independent water-saving irrigation system to optimize resource use.
Second, strong seedlings were cultivated using emerald variety seeds. On June 22nd, the seeds were soaked in warm water to promote germination, and sowing began once 70% of the seeds had sprouted. Seedlings were grown in 8 cm × 8 cm nutrient cups using a mix of peat, vermiculite, and perlite in a 1:1:1 ratio. For each square meter of substrate, 5–8 kg of dry chicken manure and 2 kg of triple compound fertilizer were added. After mixing, the substrate was filled into the cups. Each well was then filled with enough water, and one seed was placed in each. A 2 cm layer of moist fine soil was used to cover the seeds. Pre-emergence temperatures were maintained between 28–30°C, and once the seedlings emerged, the temperature was adjusted to 25°C. During this period, the substrate was kept consistently moist, and temperatures were kept around 15°C.
In summer, shading nets were used to cool the plants and help develop strong seedlings. To prevent excessive growth, a 300 ppm solution of chlormethan was sprayed. After about 15–20 days, when the seedlings had 1–2 true leaves, they were ready for transplanting.
Third, planting took place after July 5th. The fine matrix in the troughs was turned and leveled, and water was poured into the troughs 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 in the substrate. Once fruits began to set, watering was done on sunny afternoons, and it could be skipped on rainy days depending on the moisture level of the substrate. Top dressing started 20 days after planting, with applications every 15 days thereafter. Each application included 200 kg of sterilized chicken manure and 20 kg of triple compound fertilizer. Fertilizers were applied 10 cm from the plant base and buried 5 cm deep in the substrate, followed by irrigation. Carbon dioxide was also introduced if the greenhouse showed signs of deficiency.
Temperature and light management were critical. During the day, greenhouse temperatures should be kept between 20–25°C, and at night between 12°C. After fruit setting, the daytime temperature should rise to 25–28°C, with nighttime temperatures around 15°C. From June to August, shading nets were used to control temperature and humidity. From September to November, greenhouses were closed to extend the harvesting period.
Plant adjustment was necessary as the vines grew. When the vines reached 30–40 cm in length, they were trained to two horizontal wires placed 160 cm and 80 cm above the ground. Lateral branches below the first female flower node were removed, while those with 1–2 leaves were topped. Tendrils were cut to conserve nutrients. As the vines grew, they were regularly pruned to ensure they did not exceed 160 cm in height. Additionally, 2/3 of male flowers and diseased stems or leaves were removed to prevent nutrient waste and disease spread.
Artificial pollination was performed by picking open male flowers between 6–9 am and gently applying them to female stigmas. Alternatively, a solution of 20–30 mg/kg rhodans could be applied to the stigma before 10 am to enhance pollination.
Disease prevention was crucial, especially for downy mildew. Proper ventilation, timely removal of infected leaves, and spraying with 25% mancozeb wettable powder diluted 800 times or 75% chlorothalonil diluted 500 times were effective measures. Spraying was done every 7–10 days, repeated 2–3 times for best results.
Finally, green bitter gourd was harvested and sold in the market 55 days after planting. Harvesting was done when the fruits were fully developed to avoid premature aging of the vines and to maximize yield.
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