In winter, the low temperatures often lead to a significant drop in vegetable production, which is a major concern for farmers. However, in Handong village, Luocheng Subdistrict, Shouguang City, Shandong Province, a loofah farmer has managed to maintain high yields despite the cold. His greenhouse loofah plants have been affected by the low temperature, yet they still outperform those of other growers. He attributes this success to careful management during the fruiting stage.
First, light and temperature control are crucial for overwintering loofah. During January and February, when sunlight is limited, it's essential to provide adequate light and manage temperature effectively. The ideal temperature range inside the shed is 24°C to 30°C, with a maximum not exceeding 32°C. At night, the temperature should be kept between 12°C and 18°C, and the minimum morning temperature must not fall below 10°C. In extreme cold, the temperature should never drop below 8°C. Since loofah is moisture-resistant, ventilation can be reduced to maintain warmth while managing humidity.
Second, proper watering and fertilization are key after flowering. As the plant enters its vigorous growth phase, water and nutrient needs increase. Watering frequency should be increased, and the amount of fertilizer should also be adjusted accordingly. In the early stages (January-February), every two harvested tender melons require one watering, using well-decomposed chicken manure or humic acid-based fertilizers. If needed, carbon dioxide gas fertilizer can be released. From March to May, alternating between red-fat quick-release fertilizer and foliar sprays helps maintain productivity. Watering should occur every 10 days, using nitrogen-potassium-calcium or organic compound fertilizers at a rate of 10–12 kg per mu. Leaf sprays like Feng Harvest No. 1 can help regulate plant growth.
Third, pruning plays a vital role in maximizing yield. In dense planting conditions, single-vine pruning is recommended. Early on, any axillary buds should be removed to leave only the main vine. Later, short side vines can be allowed to grow, each bearing one melon and leaving one leaf after the fruit sets. This ensures even distribution of resources across the plant. As the season progresses, thin side vines should be removed to protect the main and developed side vines.
Fourth, cultivating strong vines is essential under low-light and low-temperature conditions. Slow growth, weak stems, and fruit drop are common issues. To prevent this, the farmer keeps the first few fruits longer to balance vegetative and reproductive growth. If the vines become too thin, they should be pruned to promote stronger growth. Additionally, root care is critical. Overwatering or excessive fertilizing can damage the roots, so small amounts of water and biological or humic acid-based fertilizers are preferred to support root development.
During the winter, many farmers faced challenges due to unexpected weather changes. For example, some watered before cloudy or snowy days, leading to root damage. Therefore, monitoring weather forecasts is crucial. Watering should be done only after 2–3 days of good weather, preferably in the morning. After watering, the greenhouse should be closed to retain heat and warm the ground.
Lastly, disease prevention is important. Common winter diseases include botrytis, sclerotinia, and bacterial soft rot. A proactive approach, combining prevention and control measures, helps maintain healthy, disease-free plants.
By following these practices, the farmer not only survives the harsh winter but also achieves higher yields, setting an example for others in the community.
Upper Limb External Fixation
The wrist joint external fixation fully considers the physiological characteristics of the wrist joint and the structural stability of the biomechanics, so that the metacarpophalangeal joint can be completely bent freely, and the tendons and ligaments of the fingers and wrists can be relatively relaxed. Moreover, the insertion method, length and stress of the bone traction needle are also considered, and the overall force of the bone traction needle is relatively uniform.
The ulna radius external fixator fractures is relatively simple, generally unilateral fixation, or simple combination fixation, generally should not fix the upper and lower radioulnar joints. Radial external fixation stenting has a good effect on the treatment of fracture. Premature removal after surgery is not appropriate, which is easy to cause dislocation and affect fracture healing. Functional exercise can be carried out gradually after four weeks of plaster external fixation, when the wrist joint function should gradually return to normal.
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