In early autumn, the temperature remains relatively high, which can significantly impact the growth and development of cucumbers after planting. The formation of female flowers tends to be delayed, leading to poor fruit set. To address this, many growers resort to using ethephon, a plant growth regulator that helps promote female flower development. However, improper application can lead to phytotoxicity, causing the growth of autumn cucumbers to slow down or even stop. Symptoms include stunted growth, toppling of the plant, and in severe cases, the death of the growing tip due to drying out.
The optimal time for spraying ethephon on cucumber seedlings is when they have 2 to 3 true leaves. A common solution is to use 40% ethephon diluted between 2000 to 2500 times, depending on how many applications are planned. If applying it twice, a 2000-fold dilution is recommended. After 7 to 10 days, when the plants have developed 5 to 6 leaves, a second spray can be done. For a third application, the concentration should be reduced slightly to 2500 times. Using an incorrect concentration can easily result in chemical burn or phytotoxic effects, which can harm the plants rather than help them.
If phytotoxicity has already occurred, there are several steps you can take to mitigate the damage. First, increase nitrogen fertilizer availability and water more frequently to encourage faster recovery and growth. Second, raise the greenhouse temperature during the day to around 25°C to 28°C, as this is the ideal range for cucumber seedling growth. At night, keep the temperature between 13°C and 15°C. Once phytotoxicity appears, increasing daytime temperatures to 30°C can help stimulate recovery. Maintain the original nighttime temperature to support continued female flower differentiation.
Another effective measure is to apply plant growth regulators such as Yunda 120 or Green Wind 95. These products can help reduce stress and restore normal growth patterns. It's important to act quickly if symptoms appear, as early intervention can prevent long-term damage and ensure better yields later in the season. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully when using any chemical treatment, and consider conducting a small-scale trial before full application.
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