Cucumber flower topping is a common physiological issue that occurs in greenhouse cucumber cultivation. The main symptoms include shortened internodes near the growing tip, failure to develop male and female flower clusters, and the absence of heart leaves. This condition typically appears during the early fruiting stage and significantly affects both yield and quality.
Cucumber flower topping can generally be classified into three types:
1. **Developmental Disorders**: Low temperatures during the early growth phase, combined with large day-to-night temperature fluctuations, can lead to this problem. When vegetative growth is restricted, plants may grow too quickly, resulting in "flower topping."
2. **Root Injury Type**: High temperatures and drought conditions in the greenhouse, especially when the soil is dry, can cause root damage due to excessive fertilizer or insufficient water. Alternatively, overly wet soil with low ground temperature can also harm the roots, leading to flower topping.
3. **Physiological Deficiency Type**: Poor soil conditions, weak root activity, and difficulty in nutrient uptake can cause physiological imbalances, which in turn contribute to the occurrence of flower topping.
To manage this issue, several control measures can be taken:
1. **Temperature Regulation**: Maintain a balanced temperature environment, avoiding extremes. Loosen the soil regularly and increase ground temperature if needed. If necessary, apply fertilizer and water first before warming the soil to encourage root development.
2. **Proper Fertilization and Watering**: Apply small amounts of fertilizer multiple times, ensuring organic fertilizers are fully decomposed to avoid root damage. Water appropriately, avoiding overwatering that could lower ground temperature and harm the roots.
3. **Remedial Actions**: For plants already showing flower topping, remove some female flowers and spray a 300-fold solution of potassium dihydrogen phosphate. When watering is required, ensure the soil moisture reaches 22% and the air humidity stays around 65%. Timely irrigation helps the plant recover and return to normal growth.
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