In the context of high-yield and high-efficiency greenhouse cultivation of zucchini, selecting the right variety is crucial. The "Young Generation" variety has proven to be highly effective in Yangji Township, Binzhou, after several years of practical application. This variety is characterized by early maturity, small fruit size, thick flesh, and excellent quality. To further improve fruit set rates, hormone treatments are commonly applied after flowering.
Timing the sowing of seedlings is essential for successful growth. It is recommended to start seedling production from late September to mid-October, aiming to produce strong, healthy plants suitable for direct seeding or grafting. Grafted seedlings offer advantages such as improved root development, better cold resistance, delayed disease onset, and increased yield potential. For grafting, pumpkin seeds are sown when zucchini cotyledons begin to open, with optimal temperatures maintained at 25–30°C before emergence and around 20°C for the soil. Grafting is typically done when the first true leaf of the pumpkin appears but hasn’t fully unfolded. Grafted seedlings can then be transplanted once they have three leaves and one heart.
Before planting, zucchini seeds should be sun-dried for 1–2 days. Soaking them in 55°C water until it cools to 30°C, followed by a 4–5 hour soak, helps enhance germination. After washing the seeds, they are kept at 25°C to encourage sprouting within 24 hours. Sow the seeds in soil about 2 cm deep. Maintain a higher temperature before germination, then adjust to 20–25°C during the day and 13–14°C at night to promote hardening off. If using grafted seedlings, ensure proper conditions for both the zucchini and pumpkin stock.
Planting should occur between mid-October and early November. Prepare the soil thoroughly, apply fertilizer, and use double-row high ridges with ridge heights of 15 cm, oriented north-south. Ridge spacing should be 60 cm and 80 cm, with plant spacing of 45–50 cm, resulting in approximately 1900–2200 plants per acre. Cover the beds with plastic film after planting to maintain warmth and moisture.
Post-planting management includes temperature control. After transplanting, raise the greenhouse temperature to 25–30°C during the day and 15–18°C at night for the first 3–4 days to help seedlings acclimate. Once established, maintain daytime temperatures between 20–25°C and nighttime temperatures between 13–15°C. During the fruiting stage, keep the temperature around 22–25°C for optimal growth.
Watering should be carefully managed, especially in colder months. Water in the morning on sunny days to avoid chilling the roots. Ensure the greenhouse temperature rises slightly after watering to aid in seedling establishment and ventilation. Winter watering should be sufficient to support growth, while reducing frequency in early spring. Avoid using frozen water from ditches or rivers; instead, use groundwater to prevent root damage.
Pruning is essential for maintaining plant health and maximizing yield. Remove large, old leaves (30–40 days old) gradually to prevent nutrient depletion and reduce the risk of powdery mildew. When removing leaves, avoid cutting them from the base to prevent infection. Also, promptly remove misshapen or diseased fruits to conserve energy and ensure high-quality harvests.
Zucchini plants often develop lateral buds that produce female flowers not suitable for commercial harvesting. These should be removed to prevent unnecessary nutrient consumption. Proper pruning and flower management are key to maintaining plant vigor and fruit quality.
Light is another critical factor. Zucchini thrives under high light intensity. In winter, when natural light is limited, use methods like cleaning the greenhouse film, pruning leaves, hanging vines, and installing reflective curtains to maximize light exposure.
Growth regulators can be used to manage plant development. Before flowering, if seedlings show excessive vegetative growth, apply 500g of dwarfing agent per acre. When female flowers open, use rhododamine or 25 mg/kg 2,4-D to stimulate fruit set. Apply the solution to the stigma and young fruit using a brush. Combine this with top-dressing to support rapid fruit growth. After the melons reach 10 cm, apply urea and potassium dihydrogen phosphate during irrigation, and repeat after each harvest.
Disease and pest control are vital for overwintering crops. Common issues include gray mold, powdery mildew, viral diseases, aphids, and whiteflies. Use appropriate fungicides and insecticides, alternating products to prevent resistance. For example, apply antiviral agents, fast-Kling, or acetaminophen for gray mold. For powdery mildew, use triadimefon, sulfur, or thiophanate-methyl. Control aphids and whiteflies with insecticides like Leconin, extinguishing, or Kung Fu EC. Regular monitoring and timely intervention are essential for maintaining crop health.
Harvesting usually begins in late November to early December. Early harvest of small fruits (around 0.25 kg) prevents interference with subsequent fruit development. Subsequent harvests should occur every 15–18 days to maintain consistent yield and quality.
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