Cucumber seeds can carry various pathogens, including fusarium wilt, anthracnose, blight, and keratoderma. To ensure healthy germination, it's essential to surface-sterilize the seeds before planting. There are three common methods for this process.
The first method involves soaking the seeds in warm water. Place the dry seeds into water that is 55°C to 60°C for about 10 minutes, continuously stirring to ensure even heat distribution. Afterward, let the seeds cool down to 28°C to 30°C and leave them for 4 to 6 hours. Once done, rinse the seeds thoroughly with clean water.
Another effective technique is pharmacological disinfection. Soak the seeds in a solution containing 0.1% carbendazim hydrochloride for one hour. Afterward, rinse the seeds with fresh water and soak them again for four hours before proceeding with germination.
A third method involves using seed coatings. Some cucumber seeds come pre-treated with a protective film that includes fungicides and essential nutrients. These coated seeds have a strong antibacterial effect and can be directly soaked for germination without additional treatment.
After sterilization, the seeds should be washed again to remove any residue. Then, wrap them in a damp cloth and place them in a warm environment between 27°C and 30°C. During the germination process, make sure to turn the seeds regularly to maintain an even temperature. After approximately 24 hours, the seeds will begin to sprout. When the root tips appear, lower the temperature slightly to around 22°C to 26°C. After two days, the seeds are ready to be sown. If the sprouts are not yet ready for planting, you can store them in a cool place at around 10°C using a wet towel to slow their growth—this is known as "sprouting."
As wheat enters the jointing stage, it becomes more vulnerable to viral diseases such as root rot, sheath blight, and dwarfism. This period also marks an increase in the activity of pests like wheat aphids and underground insects. It’s a crucial time for integrated pest and disease management.
To protect the crop, farmers should focus on strengthening cultivation practices. Combining proper field management with pest control measures is key. Techniques such as appropriate fertilization, irrigation, and timely weeding can help improve the plant’s resistance to diseases. Weeding should be done during the right season, typically from late February to mid-March, and chemical herbicides may be used if necessary.
Wheat sheath blight, often caused by fungal infections, has become a serious issue in high-yield areas. The most effective prevention strategy is to apply treatments during the green stage, combining seed dressing with foliar spraying. Delayed application or ignoring the green stage significantly reduces effectiveness. Farmers must monitor the crop closely and apply pesticides and fungicides according to the pest population thresholds.
Key indicators for pest control during the jointing stage include a sheath blight incidence rate of 15% to 20%, 3% infestation of underground pests, and 600 wheat spiders per rice. For sheath blight, 5% Jinggangmycin can be applied at 150–200 ml per mu with 75–100 kg of water, and repeated after 10–15 days. For underground pests, 40% methyl isofluvalinate or 50% phoxim can be sprayed at 40–50 ml per acre. Wheat spider control can be achieved with 73% Ketel EC diluted 1500–2000 times.
During the heading stage, wheat faces multiple threats, including aphids, midges, powdery mildew, rust, and blight. This is when the final yield is determined, making it the most critical period for pest and disease control. Effective management is essential to ensure high-quality and high-yield harvests.
Natural predators play a vital role in controlling pests. Protecting these beneficial organisms in wheat fields not only helps manage current pests but also supports future crop protection. Chemical control should be based on specific pest thresholds, using mixed pesticide applications for better efficiency and reduced environmental impact.
For example, wheat aphid populations should be controlled when they reach 500 per plant, while midge infestations should be managed at 25 per generation. Leaf rust and powdery mildew require monitoring, with thresholds set at 2–5% and 10% respectively. Pesticides such as 2.0% emulsifiable oil, 50% phoxim EC, 25% Baolitong WP, and 50% carbendazim WP can be used depending on the situation.
Finally, early preventive measures are crucial for head blight and blast. Spraying should occur after flowering if weather conditions are favorable. For midge control, applying 40% methylisothiphos EC with fine sand in April can enhance effectiveness. If needed, adult midge control can be done using 70% phoxim EC or 50% phoxim EC at 50–75 ml per acre.
Soybean lecithin is a natural substance that is derived from soybeans. It is a type of phospholipid, which is a molecule that is composed of two fatty acids, a phosphate group, and a nitrogen-containing base.
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