Non-pollution and efficient cultivation techniques of bitter gourd in greenhouse

The bitter gourd, commonly known as the quail melon, is a highly nutritious vegetable rich in protein, essential vitamins, and various minerals. Beyond its nutritional value, it also offers medicinal benefits such as aiding digestion and clearing phlegm, making it a popular choice among consumers. With rising living standards, demand for this vegetable has surged, but traditional farming methods often fail to meet market needs. Greenhouse cultivation techniques have emerged as an effective solution, not only increasing yield but also ensuring supply during peak seasons like the Spring Festival, while delivering high economic returns. To achieve successful greenhouse cultivation, selecting the right variety is crucial. Warm-weather, heat-resistant, high-yielding, and aromatic varieties are preferred. For early and mid-season production, cultivars like long bitter gourd, summer-harvest bitter gourd, and Penang bitter gourd are ideal due to their strong growth, good branching ability, and disease resistance. Sowing typically takes about 100 days from seed to harvest. To ensure availability around the Spring Festival, sowing is usually scheduled between late September and early October. Before planting, the soil should be prepared by applying 4,000–5,000 kg of well-rotted manure per 667 square meters, followed by deep plowing and solarization for 7–10 days. A seedbed measuring 6–7 meters long and 1.1–1.3 meters wide is then set up along the north-south direction. Seed treatment involves soaking seeds in 60°C hot water for 20–30 minutes, washing off the mucus, then soaking in 30°C warm water for 6–8 hours. Afterward, they are treated with a 10% trisodium phosphate solution for 15–20 minutes before being kept at 30–35°C for germination. Approximately 750–1,000 grams of seeds per 667 square meters are used. Once more than 50% of the seeds sprout, they can be sown on the seedbed, covered with 1.5–2 cm of fine soil, and a small arch structure is placed over them to maintain a temperature of around 25°C. As seedlings grow, the plastic cover is gradually removed to harden them off. Watering should be minimal to avoid excessive growth. If pests like aphids or whiteflies appear, a 2,500-fold dilution of 10% imidacloprid wettable powder can be applied to protect the plants. Transplanting occurs when the seedlings have 4–5 leaves. The ridges are covered with mulch film, and plants are spaced 70–80 cm apart with 30–35 cm between rows. Care must be taken to avoid damaging the roots during transplanting. After planting, watering is done along the film, and the greenhouse is sealed to promote healthy growth. Once the vines start to grow, the greenhouse temperature should be maintained at 20–25°C during the day and 15–18°C at night. Vines are guided using wires or ropes stretched across the greenhouse, helping them climb and preventing overcrowding. Regular pruning of side shoots and removal of old or yellow leaves improves air circulation and light penetration, promoting better fruit development. Temperature control is critical. During the day, if temperatures exceed 25°C, the film should be partially opened. At night, the temperature should stay around 15°C, with a minimum of 12°C in the morning. On cold days, additional layers of paper or old film can be added for insulation. In rainy or snowy weather, snow and dirt on the greenhouse film should be cleared promptly, and supplemental lighting may be used to enhance growth conditions. Fertilizer and irrigation management is important throughout the growing cycle. From transplanting to flowering, less water and fertilizer are needed. As the plant enters the fruiting stage, regular top-dressing with chicken manure or humic acid-based fertilizers is recommended. Watering should be done in the afternoon, avoiding cold periods and overwatering. Artificial pollination is essential in greenhouses, where natural pollinators are scarce. Pollination is best done between 6–10 a.m., and applying 2,4-D to female flowers can increase fruit set and quality. Pest control is generally minimal, but if infestations occur, eco-friendly pesticides like imidacloprid, avermectin, or chlorothalonil can be used. These are safe, effective, and leave minimal residue. Harvesting should occur when the fruits are fully mature—usually 10–12 days after flowering. The fruit should be firm, bright, and free from blemishes. When picking, the stem should be cut carefully to avoid damage, preserving the quality and commercial value of the bitter gourd.

Illex Squid

Frozen Argentina Illex Squid,Argentina Illex Squid,Frozen Fresh Whole Squid

Zhoushan Xifeng aquatic co lid. , https://www.xifengaquatic.com