Selecting high-quality cucumber varieties with strong fruiting capabilities is essential for a successful harvest. These varieties are known for their ability to produce uniformly shaped fruits, which is crucial for marketability and yield.
To correct the curvature of cucumbers, hormonal treatments are applied. A 30 mg/kg solution of gibberellin (90%) is sprayed on the inner curved surface of the melon before and after flowering. Over several days, this treatment helps straighten the fruit without visible damage.
When the fruit begins to bend, a shallow vertical cut is made on the back of the curved cucurbit using a sharp blade, followed by one to three cross-cuts. The depth of each cut should be about 0.5 cm, and the length can range from 2 to 5 cm. This method effectively straightens the fruit, and the wounds remain nearly invisible when the cucumbers are sold.
Small tiles, bricks, or stones measuring 4 cm in length and 2 cm in width are used as weights. These are tied to the cucumber stem using fine hemp or plastic rope. As the cucumber grows to around 10 cm, the weight helps guide it into a straight position, ensuring proper development.
Proper management is key to preventing bent fruits. Insufficient nutrients, high planting density, low light, excessive weeds, dry soil, or overwatering can all lead to misshapen cucumbers. To avoid this, maintain balanced fertilization, water moderately, and ensure adequate sunlight. Regular pest and disease control also plays a vital role in promoting healthy growth and reducing deformities.
To prevent premature leaf aging, use a combination of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, microbial, and multi-element mineral fertilizers along with organic materials. Base fertilizers should include organic matter and NPK. After flowering, applying 20 kg of microbial agents and 20–30 kg of multi-element minerals can boost root health, supply necessary nutrients, and prevent early leaf decline, which in turn reduces malformed fruits. Since photosynthesis depends on leaves, avoid removing them too early unless they start yellowing.
Controlling the yield per plant is important. Excessive fruiting can stress the plant, leading to rapid leaf aging and curved fruits. To manage this, ensure timely harvesting and avoid over-fruiting in the early stages. Spraying Shuofeng 481 (a natural canola lactone soluble powder at 0.1%) diluted 7,000–9,000 times (dissolved in warm water first) or a 200-times dilution of compound microbial fertilizer every 7–9 days can significantly reduce the occurrence of bent, sharp, or irregularly shaped cucumbers.
For mechanical bending, remove any obstacles that block the vines during hanging. Ensure vines are properly wrapped to allow natural drooping. Also, remove tendrils and other physical barriers that may cause curling. Most curved cucumbers result from factors like chemical effects, temperature fluctuations, or weak plants. If the fruit cannot grow straight, it still doesn’t affect yield or profit. Removing the curved fruit can help promote the growth of the next set of cucumbers, improving overall quality and marketability.
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