Zucchini, also known as the gourd or small melon, is a popular variety of the gourd family. It is particularly favored for its high yield, with some high-yielding varieties producing over 3,500 kg per mu. Cultivating zucchini in open fields is not only efficient in terms of labor and cost but also highly economical, making it a favorite among mountain farmers.
1. **Selecting Sowing Date and Variety**
Zucchini is a thermophilic plant that thrives best in temperatures between 18°C and 28°C. To ensure optimal growth, spring planting should begin between late February and late March. Recommended high-yield varieties include Guanshao No. 2, Guanhua, and Jiangxin No. 4 zucchinis, which are known for their resilience and productivity.
2. **Site Selection and Soil Preparation**
Zucchini is prone to soil-borne diseases, so crop rotation is essential. The plant requires a lot of nutrients and consistent moisture, but it does not tolerate waterlogging. Therefore, it should be planted in deep, well-drained, and fertile soil. A raised bed system is recommended, with a width of 1.2 meters, a ridge height of 35–40 cm, and a spacing of 0.4 meters between ridges. Before planting, 1,000–1,500 kg of compost and 30 kg of superphosphate should be applied per mu to enrich the soil.
3. **Seed Germination and Sowing**
Before sowing, seeds should be soaked in clean water at 30°C for 4–6 hours, then dried and kept at a constant temperature of around 30°C until the sprouts reach 0.5–1 cm in length. For easier management, double-row planting is recommended, with a spacing of 80 cm between rows and 50–60 cm between plants. Approximately 1,500 mu is suitable for this method. Seeds are directly sown into holes, with 2–3 seeds per hole. The soil should be moistened with 500–600 kg of 10% human waste water per mu before sowing, and then lightly covered with soil.
4. **Field Management**
- **Pre-emergence Care:** Keep the soil consistently moist before seedlings emerge to support healthy growth, but avoid water accumulation to prevent rot.
- **Seedling Care:** After emergence, apply 1,000 kg of 5% human waste water or 3–5 kg of compound fertilizer leachate per mu to promote vigorous growth.
- **Thinning and Weeding:** When seedlings have 4–5 true leaves, thin out weak or diseased plants, leaving one strong seedling per hole.
- **Vine Training:** Once vines reach 30 cm, guide them along bamboo supports. Remove side vines early to focus energy on the main vine, which accounts for over 70% of the total yield. Encourage lateral vines later to boost overall production.
5. **Fertilizer Management**
- Apply a top dressing of 1,000 kg of 10% human waste water or 4–6 kg of compound fertilizer leachate per mu after seedlings establish. Before flowering, add 35 kg of compound fertilizer per mu. After 2–3 harvests, apply 30 kg of compound fertilizer and 5 kg of potassium per mu.
- Water regularly, especially during flowering and fruiting, to maintain soil moisture. However, ensure proper drainage after rain to avoid waterlogging.
6. **Pest and Disease Control**
- **Diseases:** Use 75% chlorothalonil (800x) or 70% dexamethasone (500x) for downy mildew, and 20% triadimefon (2000x) or 10% schavid (2000x) for powdery mildew. For bacterial infections, use 64% mancozeb (500–800x), 58% copper oxychloride (500–700x), or 800x of *Bacillus subtilis*.
- **Pests:** Control aphids with 1000x buprofezin, fruit flies with 48% lufenuron (1000x) or 90% trichlorfon (1000x). For leaf beetles, use 50% deltamethrin (1000x) or *Bacillus thuringiensis* preparations. Flea beetles can be managed with 73% methoxyfenozide (2000x) or 20% trichlorfon (1500x).
By following these detailed steps, farmers can achieve a successful and profitable zucchini harvest, ensuring both quality and quantity.
Oral Mirror dental mirror mouth mirror,used for mouth or tooth inspcetion
Oral Mirror,Dental Mirror,Mouth Mirror
Luck Medical Consumables Co.,LIMITED , https://www.luckmedical.com