In early autumn, temperatures remain relatively warm, which can significantly impact the growth and development of cucumbers after planting. The formation of female flowers tends to be delayed, leading to issues with fruit setting. To address this, many growers use ethephon, a plant growth regulator, to promote earlier flowering and fruiting. However, improper application can result in phytotoxicity, causing the growth of autumn cucumbers to slow down or even stop. Symptoms may include stunted growth, flower abnormalities, and in severe cases, the death of growing tips due to drying out.
The optimal time to apply ethephon to cucumber seedlings is when they have 2 to 3 true leaves. A common recommendation is to use a 40% ethephon solution diluted at a ratio of 2000 to 2500 times. The number of applications depends on the specific needs of the crop. If applying twice, a 2000-fold dilution is typically used. After 7 to 10 days, when the plants have developed 5 to 6 leaves, a second spray can be applied. For a third application, the concentration should be reduced slightly, using a 2500-fold dilution. Using the wrong concentration can easily lead to phytotoxic effects, so it's important to follow instructions carefully.
If phytotoxicity has already occurred due to ethephon treatment, there are several steps you can take to help the plants recover. First, increase nitrogen fertilizer availability and ensure regular watering to stimulate faster growth. This helps the plants regain their strength. Second, raise the greenhouse temperature during the day to between 25°C and 28°C, as this is the ideal range for cucumber seedling growth. At night, keep temperatures around 13°C to 15°C. If phytotoxicity has already occurred, increasing daytime temperatures to 30°C can help speed up recovery while maintaining nighttime temperatures to support continued female flower differentiation.
Another effective remedy is to spray plant growth regulators such as Yunda 120 or Green Wind 95. These products can help mitigate the damage caused by ethephon and support the plant’s natural recovery process. It's also crucial to monitor the plants closely after treatment and adjust management practices accordingly. By taking these measures, growers can minimize the negative effects of ethephon and improve the overall health and productivity of their autumn cucumber crops.
Best Hydrogen Water Generator,Molecular Hydrogen Machine,Hydrogen Water Bottle Generator,Hydrogen Water Generator Bottle,Hydrogen Generator Water Bottle
Shenzhen Yibainian Investment Industrial Co., Ltd. , https://www.100hydrogenwater.com