How to choose the ideal varieties of cucumbers for growing in a greenhouse
Powdery mildew infections and sudden changes in humidity in a polycarbonate greenhouse destroy the yield of unstable varieties in a week. The erroneous planting of bee-pollinated hybrids in an enclosed ground leads to a massive fall of hollow flowers without ovaries.
Greenhouse vegetable breeding is focused on self-pollination and the bundle type of fruit formation. The selection of the seed stock is based on the growing season, shade tolerance and culinary purpose of the greens.
Evaluation of parthenocarpic hybrids for closed ground
The greenhouse microclimate blocks the access of insect pollinators to flowers, which requires the use of parthenocarpic hybrids labeled F1. These plants form female flowers that generate ovaries without pollen fertilization. The genome of such hybrids is devoid of bitterness at the DNA level, which eliminates the accumulation of cucurbitacin with a lack of watering.
A bunch, or bouquet, ovary provides maximum yield per square meter of area. From 3 to 8 fruits are formed in the axil of each leaf, maturing by the cascade method. The main stem requires blinding the lower nodes to a height of 40 cm so that the root system has time to build up mass to feed a plentiful harvest.
When choosing seeds, it is necessary to study the resistance of the variety to typical greenhouse pathogens:
- common cucumber mosaic virus;
- olive leaf spotting;
- fusarium-type root rot;
- peronosporosis in high humidity conditions.
Breeders indicate resistance by abbreviations on the back of the pack. Complex immunity reduces the need for the treatment of plaits with copper-based fungicides.
The effect of shade tolerance on bush planting density
Thickened plantings in a greenhouse lead to competition for light, elongation of internodes and yellowing of the lower tier of leaves. Shade-tolerant varieties are intended for northern regions and structures with insufficient light transmission. The leaf plates of such hybrids have a smaller diameter, providing ventilation of the central stem.
The planting scheme depends on the branching of the selected variety. Hybrids with limited lateral shoot growth are planted with three roots per square meter. Plants with strong branching require garters on horizontal trellises and regular pickling, otherwise the greenhouse will turn into an impenetrable jungle.
The optimal formation of greenhouse cucumbers includes several stages:
- removal of all ovaries and whiskers in the first four sinuses;
- pinching the side lashes over the second leaf in the middle tier;
- throwing the top over the top wire of the trellis;
- fixing the stem with plastic clips to prevent creases.
Indeterminate varieties do not have a growth restriction point and are able to bear fruit up to autumn frosts. Timely harvesting once every 2 days stimulates the filling of the next buds.
Selection of varieties according to the maturation period and the purpose of the fruit
Ultra-ripe hybrids produce their first greens 35 days after germination. They are planted to produce an early salad harvest, but their fruiting period is shorter than that of their late-ripening counterparts. Conveyor planting of seedlings with a two-week difference ensures uninterrupted harvesting of vegetables until September.
Salad varieties are characterized by smooth, thin skin, white thorns and up to 20 cm long. They are unsuitable for salting, since upon contact with hot brine, the pulp becomes loose, and voids form inside. Canned cucumbers have a dense crispy structure, black pubescence and pronounced tuberosity, which allows the marinade to pass inside the fruit.
Gherkin hybrids produce calibrated fruits from 5 to 8 cm long, ideal for rolling in glass jars. The genetic predisposition to slow overgrowth allows them to be left on branches without the risk of getting yellow seed barrels. The combination of salad and gherkin types covers all the gastronomic needs of the gardener. Sharing a great platform with friends pays off literally. Once you have registered using a 1xbet register promo code you can generate your own unique referral link or code. Send it to friends who are new to betting. When they sign up, make a deposit, and meet minimum wagering requirements, you receive a referral bonus. Typical amounts range from 50€ to 200€ per referred friend. Some programs offer a percentage of your friend’s first deposit (e.g., 10%). There is no limit to how many people you can refer. Referral bonuses are withdrawable without wagering in many cases. It is one of the to earn passive bonus funds.