The application of ethephon to induce female flower differentiation in cucumber seedlings within greenhouses has become a well-established practice in modern agriculture. Despite this, many vegetable growers still struggle with accurately determining the correct concentration of the chemical, often leading to excessive use. This can result in stunted seedling growth, premature flowering (flower topping), and the development of rigid, unhealthy plants. In severe cases, it may even cause the death of the growing tip. To address these issues, the following corrective measures are recommended:
1. Improve the management of water and fertilization. Increase the application of available nitrogen-based fertilizers and ensure frequent irrigation to maintain adequate moisture and nutrient levels for the plants.
2. After warming up the greenhouse, raise the daytime temperature to around 30°C to encourage healthy seedling growth. However, keep the nighttime temperature low to support continuous female flower differentiation.
3. If phytotoxicity occurs due to ethephon concentrations above 200ppm, apply gibberellin as a remedial treatment. Use a concentration of 20–50ppm. The following precautions should be followed:
- Dissolve the gibberellin in alcohol or liquor before preparing the solution to ensure proper mixing.
- Apply the treatment as soon as symptoms appear, as delayed application reduces effectiveness.
- Spray the plants once immediately after noticing damage, and repeat the application one week later. Most plants will show significant improvement within 15 days.
By following these steps, farmers can effectively mitigate the negative effects of improper ethephon use and restore healthy growth in their cucumber seedlings. It’s important to stay vigilant and adjust practices based on plant response to ensure long-term success.
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