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

Bitter gourd, also known as *Momordica charantia* or quail melon, is a nutritious vegetable that is rich in protein, vitamins, and essential minerals. Beyond its nutritional value, it is also valued for its medicinal properties, such as aiding digestion and detoxifying the body. As a result, it has become increasingly popular among consumers. With rising living standards and growing demand, traditional farming methods have struggled to meet market needs. To address this, greenhouse cultivation techniques have been introduced, allowing for higher yields, consistent supply, especially during the Spring Festival, and significant economic returns. To ensure successful greenhouse production, selecting the right variety is crucial. Warm-weather, heat-resistant, high-yielding, and fragrant varieties like long bitter gourd, summer-harvest bitter gourd, and Penang bitter gourd are ideal. These varieties exhibit strong growth vigor, moderate branching, and good stress resistance, making them well-suited for controlled environments. The sowing period is typically set between late September and early October to ensure harvests before and after the Spring Festival. The entire growth cycle from sowing to harvesting takes about 100 days. Before planting, seedlings should be prepared 15–20 days in advance. The soil should be enriched with 4,000–5,000 kg of well-rotted manure per acre, followed by deep plowing and solar sterilization for 7–10 days. Afterward, the greenhouse is sealed for 5 days to further disinfect the soil. Seed germination requires careful preparation. Seeds are first scalded in 60°C hot water for 20–30 minutes, then rinsed and soaked in 30°C warm water for 6–8 hours. They are then treated with a 10% trisodium phosphate solution for 15–20 minutes to prevent disease. Germination occurs at 30–35°C, with about 750–1,000 grams of seeds used per acre. Once more than 50% of the seeds sprout, they can be sown on a raised bed measuring 6–7 meters long and 1.1–1.3 meters wide. The seeds are covered with 1.5–2 cm of fine soil, and a small arch is placed over the bed to maintain a temperature of around 25°C. When the seedlings have two leaves and one heart, the greenhouse cover is gradually removed to harden off the plants. Watering should be minimal to avoid weak growth. If pests like aphids or whiteflies appear, a 2500-fold dilution of 10% imidacloprid wettable powder is applied to control infestations. Transplanting begins when the seedlings have 4–5 true leaves. Ridges are prepared with mulch film, and plants are spaced 70–80 cm apart with 30–35 cm between rows. Care is taken to avoid damaging the roots during transplanting. After planting, water is applied along the film, and the edges are tightly sealed to retain warmth and promote root establishment. Once the vines start to grow, temperature management becomes critical. Daytime temperatures should be kept between 20–25°C, and nighttime temperatures between 15–18°C. Vines are guided using wires or ropes stretched across the greenhouse to support their growth. Side branches and old, yellow leaves are pruned regularly to improve air circulation and light penetration, promoting better fruit development. Light and temperature control are essential for optimal growth. During sunny days, the greenhouse cover is opened at 9 AM and closed at 4 PM. In colder weather, additional layers of paper or old plastic can be added for insulation. In case of snow or heavy rain, the cover should be cleared promptly, and supplemental lighting may be used to maintain adequate light levels. Fertilizer and irrigation management is key. During the early growth stage, less water is needed, but as the plant enters the fruiting phase, regular top-dressing with chicken manure or humic acid-based fertilizers is recommended. Watering should be done in the afternoon, avoiding cold conditions to prevent root damage. Artificial pollination is often necessary in greenhouses due to limited natural pollinators. Pollination is usually done between 6–10 AM, and applying 2,4-D to female flowers can help increase fruit set and reduce blossom drop. Pest and disease control is generally minimal in greenhouse settings, but if issues arise, low-toxicity, eco-friendly pesticides like imidacloprid, avermectin, or chlorothalonil can be used. Regular monitoring ensures early detection and effective treatment. Harvesting should occur when the fruits are fully mature, typically 10–12 days after flowering. Fruits should be picked when the surface is smooth, firm, and bright in color. The stem should be cut cleanly to avoid damage, ensuring better storage and marketability. By following these detailed techniques, growers can achieve high-quality, pollution-free bitter gourd production, meeting both consumer demand and environmental standards.

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