Why does the ovary of cucumbers dry up in a greenhouse
Many gardeners, gardeners who practice the cultivation of cucumbers, sooner or later come across such a problem when the cucumber ovaries dry out in the greenhouse, and the fruit does not form. Accordingly, the question arises of how to deal with this and how not to lose the harvest. To take action, you need to find out the reason that provoked such a process. There are several possible reasons.
The ovary of cucumbers dries up in the greenhouse
Possible reasons
The main factors that lead to yellowing and drying of the ovary can be;
- violation of the technology of growing greenhouse cucumbers;
- depletion of soils, lack of minerals;
- violation of the water regime (drying out, waterlogging);
- inappropriate temperature regime;
- poor level of pollination;
- the harmful effects of diseases and pests.
These are the main reasons that should be analyzed in detail in order to understand how to influence the current situation. Any violations in the growth of cucumbers are based on violations of agricultural technology and basic recommendations for growing this garden crop. Let's take a closer look at what exactly causes the cucumber inflorescences to dry out.
Non-compliance with the temperature regime
Cucumber is a crop that is very sensitive to temperature fluctuations. Both hypothermia and overheating have a bad effect on the vegetation of the plant. For cucumbers, maintaining adequate temperature is important for growth and fruiting. With a sharp change in temperature, the plant finds itself in a stressful situation and all efforts are spent on maintaining the general condition. Accordingly, there is not enough strength to form and support the development of a full-fledged ovary.
To stabilize the temperature in the event of significant drops, an additional greenhouse cover is recommended. Use agrofilm or agrofibre. In the opposite situation, in order to lower the temperature, they ventilate the greenhouse, which can lower the degree, and also partially remove the shelter during the intense heat, but do not allow direct sunlight to hit the plants, covering it with non-woven material.
Lack of trace elements in the soil
Often in greenhouses, the soil is used for many years without replacement, composting, mineral fertilizers. Or the introduction of mineral fertilizers in insufficient quantities. The soil becomes depleted, poor in trace elements. Lack of nutrients will not allow cucumbers to grow at full strength and at the time of fruit formation, the cucumber ovaries dry out in the greenhouse.
A sufficient amount of boron plays an important role for the growth of the fruiting organs and the formation of the ovary. To stimulate fruiting, additional processing with this element can be carried out.
The logical way out in such a situation would be to apply fertilizers according to the norms and instructions. Bioactive agents have a good effect in such a situation.As well as phytohormones, which will give a quick result and give time to activate the microelements introduced into the soil.
And to prevent such a mistake in the next season, the soil in the greenhouses is prepared before planting seedlings. Dig in and fertilize three times. It can be organic together with mineral, or complex mineral fertilizers.
Incorrect planting
Observe the required distance when planting.
A common cause that leads to yellowing of the ovaries is improper planting of the bushes. Unsaved distance between rows and thickened crops leads to poor ventilation, lack of sufficient space for the full development of the root and general vegetative system, and as a result of yellowing of the ovaries at the beginning of fruiting with a gradual deterioration in the general condition of cucumbers. When planting, it is worth following the schemes and requirements, especially for greenhouses. It is important to remember that no more than three bushes are permissible per square meter, with a width between rows of at least 50 cm.
To improve the situation with a thickened planting and stopping the formation of the ovary, cut off excess stems and leaves, if necessary, remove weak bushes to enable other stronger bushes to develop.
Insufficient or excessive watering
Cucumbers as a crop of tropical origin are very sensitive to water disturbance. Requires regular watering. In this case, warm settled water is used. Cold water or drying out of the soil provokes the fact that the ovaries of cucumbers dry in the greenhouse, and the fruits do not grow in the correct shape.
A regulated irrigation regime is important both for the general condition and growth of cucumbers and directly for the formation of a high-quality crop.
Insufficient pollination
Most often, in modern gardening, parthenocarpic (self-pollinating) varieties of cucumbers are grown in greenhouses, in this case, insufficient pollination is excluded from a possible cause of yellowing of the ovary. If the cultivated varieties are bee-pollinated, then such a reason takes place. Lack of enough insect pollinators or a completely closed greenhouse will cause flowers to shed. And the contractions of the inflorescences that form the fruit.
A good solution to this situation would be the treatment of plants with agents that stimulate fruit set (for example, the Bud preparation). And in the new season, in order to avoid unnecessary trouble, you should pay attention to self-pollinated greenhouse varieties.
Fungal disease
Often, infection with fungal diseases goes in parallel with the violation of agricultural technology.
And in the case of poor quality agricultural technology, the situation can be easily corrected by taking proper care. Then, with the addition of fungal diseases, the situation becomes more complicated, and without appropriate and timely treatment, it will not be possible to save the crop.
The main fungal diseases:
- fusarium;
- powdery mildew;
- parenosporosis.
When infected with fungal diseases, not only inflorescences often suffer, but also other constituent parts of the stems, leaves, cucumbers grow poorly and may die. Recognizing a fungal disease is not difficult. Each of them has its own characteristics. If infected crops are identified, the best way out is to remove diseased specimens from the greenhouse and treat the soil and plants with fungicides. It is worth spilling the soil with Trichophyte solutions, spray the bushes with a suitable fungicide, depending on the type of disease. Start the following season with careful soil preparation. Cleaning of plant debris and disinfection of the soil is mandatory.
Pest infestation
Causes yellowing and drying of the ovary and the presence of parasitic pests on plants. Aphids, whiteflies, mealy worms, spider mites are pests that can cause irreparable harm. Parasitizing crops, they drain them, which stops their growth and the fruiting process.Pest control is not as difficult as fungal disease. In order for the pests to cause minimal harm, the bushes are treated immediately after identification.
Treatment is carried out with insecticides (aphids, whiteflies) or acaricides (spider mites, mealy worms) in the afternoon, in accordance with the instructions. After the destruction of pests, it is important to carry out preventive treatments to avoid re-infestation.
Conclusions.
The main reasons for the drying out of the ovary in the greenhouse are violations of the cultivation technique, and such violations lead to a number of other consequences. Plants become weak, develop poorly, and are affected by diseases and pests. And as a result, the time wasted and the lack of the expected harvest. The important thing is that it will not be difficult to prevent negative experiences, adherence to agricultural techniques and preventive measures will give a good result.