Prevention of the appearance of barren flowers on zucchini
The reason for the low yield can be barren flowers on zucchini. If its amount is small, then it will not harm the plant. But it happens that there are many male flowers on the bush. In order not to waste time growing crops in vain, it is worth finding out the reasons for this and taking measures to prevent the problem.
Prevention of the appearance of barren flowers on zucchini
Definition
Zucchini have female and male flowers. The latter do not bear fruit, that is, the ovary does not form on them. They are called barren flowers. But they have pollen, with the help of which female flowers are fertilized.
For this reason, it is impossible to completely cut off the barren flower, especially only after the flowering has begun. In a short time, he will not have time to fulfill his main function - pollination.
It is wrong to think that the plant is weakening due to the presence of male flowers. They do not take up a lot of food and do not interfere with the development of the fruit. Zucchini bloom quickly. Flowers wither and fall off in a short time - only a few days pass.
You can cut off the barren flowers after the ovaries have formed. Do this if there are more such flowers than needed. But such manipulations will no longer increase the yield.
Various factors influence the enhanced development of male flowers.
Bad seeds and soil
When the seed has been stored for a long time, its germination rate decreases. This happens if the temperature of the content was low. Old seeds and those harvested in the previous year also form plants with predominantly male flowers. As a result, the harvest is poor.
The high acidity of the soil provokes the appearance of barren flowers on zucchini. The site should be located in a sunny place, because insects do not fly in the shade. Diseases also develop on the shaded bed.
If it rains for a long time in summer and it is cool outside, then there are no insects that are needed for pollination. Even in such weather, the pollen soon turns gray. Fertilization becomes impossible.
Diseases and pests
The appearance of a barren flower provokes various ailments. These include:
- mosaic virus - first infects the leaves (this appears in the form of yellow and brown spots), and then the whole plant. The growth of the bushes is delayed. They don't bear fruit;
- white rot - the disease manifests itself in the form of a whitish coating, which darkens over time. Because of this, the fruits begin to rot;
- powdery mildew is a fungal disease that affects leaves and cuttings. As a result, they are deformed. The plant gives a lot of energy to fight the disease, they do not remain for setting fruits.
Zucchini often infect such insects:
- spider mite;
- melon aphid;
- sprout fly.
They damage leaves, stems and flowers by sucking sap from cells. The plant spends a lot of energy on protection and restoration to the detriment of the formation of ovaries.
Care errors
Inappropriate watering can be the cause of empty flowers.
A culture grows well when optimal conditions are created for it. Such errors in care can lead to the appearance of a blank flower:
- improper watering - do not overly moisten the soil. Otherwise, the pollen will stick together or wash off the flowers. Pollination will not occur. Plants will start to ache because a wetland is an ideal environment for fungi to grow;
- excess fertilizers - due to the excess of nitrogen in the soil, the plants bloom profusely, but they do not form ovaries.
Preventive measures
The problem of the appearance of some male flowers can be prevented if the requirements of the culture are taken into account.
Correct fit
It is optimal to select seed 2-3 years old for planting. Keep it warm. If there are only fresh seeds, then you can make them form ovaries. To do this, it is recommended to suspend watering for 1-2 weeks.
Fresh seed can be specially prepared before planting. In order for the zucchini to have less barren flowers and more ovary, it is worth following these steps:
- steam the seed in a thermos at a temperature of 60 ° C for several hours;
- place it in a damp cloth and cover with polyethylene;
- plant in the ground when sprouts appear.
The acidity of the soil selected for zucchini should be 6-6.8 units. The recommended planting pattern is 70 × 140 cm, then the site will not be thickened.
Pollination help
Garden ants are predominantly involved in pollination of vegetable marrows. If they are not there, it is worth trying to attract bees. For this, the bushes are sprayed with honey water. If insects did not appear then, you can treat the plants with the preparation "Ovary".
In bad weather, zucchini must be pollinated on their own. To do this, the male flower is leaned against the female, so that the pollen is transferred to the stigma. You can also use a soft brush to pollinate. The pollen should not be crumpled.
For its better ripening in cold weather, the plants are covered with lutrasil. It is not worth keeping them under the material for a long time, because insects will not have access to flowers.
Another problem arises when exposed to high temperatures. The pollen becomes unable to fertilize plants. This situation can be prevented by watering the bushes with often warm water in small quantities. You also need to spray with a solution of boric acid - 1 g per 1 liter of liquid.
Disease and pest control
Fight disease as soon as possible
It is worthwhile to start the fight against ailments in a timely manner. To do this, you need to perform the following actions:
- in case of viral mosaic damage, the damaged parts of the plant must be removed. If the bush is completely covered by the disease, it is worth destroying it. Sections need to be cauterized with colloidal sulfur;
- zucchini should be properly cared for if they become infected with white rot. It consists in the timely removal of weeds and harvesting. It is important to properly feed the culture. Fertilizers should include the following substances: sulfuric zinc, copper sulfate and urea;
- with powdery mildew - treat with disubstituted sodium phosphate or isophene. Colloidal sulfur is also suitable.
To combat insects, you need to follow these rules:
- spider mite - treat the plant with infusion of garlic, onion husks, potato tops. Of the chemicals, you can use karbofos, akartan, phosphamide;
- melon aphid - spray the bushes with infusion of tobacco, yarrow. The drugs "Intavir", "Iskra" will also help. It is also worth weeding the beds, because the pest multiplies in the weeds. It is necessary to remove fallen leaves and ovaries;
- sprout fly - weed and collect plant debris. Dig deep into the soil.
Good care
With an excessive amount of nitrogen in the soil, plants stop creating ovaries. In this case, it is worth arranging a "stressful situation" for them - pinching the growth point. The introduction of nitrogen-containing substances is stopped. Zucchini at this time is fed with an ash infusion of non-resinous tree species.It is prepared like this:
- Mix 1 bucket of water with 1 liter of ash;
- insist half an hour;
- Shake well before use.
Potassium-phosphorus fertilization is also suitable for fertilization - 1 tbsp. l substance in a bucket of water. The solution is applied under the root in moist soil. Consumption - 1 liter per bush.
It is necessary to water the plants, taking into account the weather conditions and the stages of development of zucchini. In the heat, the rate of water consumption is increased, with prolonged rains, watering is suspended. In order not to swamp the plantings, it is worth adding 9-10 liters of liquid per 1 sq. m. The water should be warm - 20 ° C. These actions will give impetus to the formation of fruits.