Shed cultivation of loofah

In 2007, the Lujia Town vegetable base in Kunshan City successfully promoted loofah cultivation techniques, significantly reducing planting costs and increasing the utilization of greenhouse facilities. The harvest period extended until National Day, with an impressive yield of 5,000 kg per mu. This initiative showcased a well-structured approach to modern agricultural practices. 1. **Variety Selection**: Farmers selected six early-maturing, moisture-resistant, and disease-resistant varieties, such as "Six-Leaf Lettuce" and "Mushroom Spatula," ensuring better adaptability and resilience to local climate conditions. 2. **Sowing and Seedling Raising**: In early February, electric heating and double-layer greenhouses were used to protect seedlings. Before sowing, seeds were soaked in a 50% Carbendazim WP solution diluted at 500 times for one hour, followed by rinsing and soaking in clean water for 4–6 hours. After washing, the seeds were placed under a temperature of 30°C for germination. Once the seeds showed slight white sprouts, they were sown into nutrient pots (7.5–8 cm in diameter) filled with soil mixed with 60 kg of decomposed organic fertilizer per cubic meter. A thin layer of soil (about 1 cm) was added on top, and the pots were covered with plastic film. During the day, the temperature was maintained at 27–28°C, while at night, proper insulation was ensured to prevent damage to young plants. 3. **Seedbed Management**: Greenhouses were kept sealed before seedlings emerged to maintain high temperatures and promote uniform growth. Once the seedlings were fully developed, the plastic cover was removed to allow more light exposure. If nighttime temperatures dropped below 15°C, a small arch film was used for insulation. Watering was carefully controlled after removing the film, and dry conditions were encouraged to strengthen the seedlings. One day before transplanting, the roots were watered to reduce transplant shock. Seven days prior to planting, gradual ventilation was introduced to acclimatize the seedlings, ensuring they were strong, green, and ready for transplanting. 4. **Planting**: Before planting, old crops were removed, and the fields were deeply tilled with 4,000 kg of organic fertilizer per mu. Standard steel frames were set up with 5–6 ridges, each 25 cm high. In early March, when the average temperature stabilized above 8°C and the seedlings were about 30 days old, they were planted with a spacing of 1–1.2 meters between rows and 30 cm within the rows, totaling 1,800–2,200 plants per acre. Immediately after planting, root watering was done, and mulch was applied to retain moisture. 5. **Cultivation Management**: Bamboo poles, 2–2.5 meters long, were placed every two loofah vines to support climbing. As the vines grew, all side branches were removed, and topping was done once the vines reached the top. Only one main vine was left to bear fruit, eliminating the need for artificial melon hanging. 6. **Harvesting**: Loofahs were harvested when they reached 25–28 cm in length, typically in early May. The first harvest occurred 25–30 days after planting, yielding 1,200–1,500 kg per mu. 7. **Recycling Technology**: After the first harvest, from late May to early June, 3–4 knots were left at the base of the vines, and the main vines were pruned to 30–40 cm. New shoots emerged, allowing for a second round of production. Fertilizer was applied, with 20 kg of 45% compound fertilizer or 8 kg of urea per acre, followed by irrigation. Cracks in the furrows were monitored, and appropriate watering was performed. The second harvest took place 12–15 days after pruning, yielding 1,100–1,400 kg per mu. Throughout mid-June, proper ventilation was maintained, with daytime openings and nighttime closures based on temperature. Root fertilization and foliar spray with 75% chlorothalonil WP at 150 g per acre were conducted to prevent diseases, with a 20-day safety interval. With sufficient water and nutrients, three cycles of regenerative cultivation were carried out, allowing the vines to naturally climb and be harvested at maturity.

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