Shed cultivation of loofah

In 2007, the Lujia Town vegetable base in Kunshan City successfully implemented advanced techniques for loofah cultivation. This initiative significantly reduced planting costs and improved the utilization of greenhouse facilities. The harvest season extended until National Day, with an impressive yield of 5,000 kg per mu. 1. **Variety Selection**: Farmers selected six early-maturing, moisture-resistant, and disease-resistant varieties, including six-leaf lettuce and mushroom spatula, to ensure better growth and resilience against environmental challenges. 2. **Sowing and Seedling Raising**: In early February, electric heating and double-layer greenhouses were used to protect young seedlings. Before sowing, seeds were soaked in a 50% Carbendazim WP solution diluted 500 times for one hour, then rinsed and soaked in clean water for 4–6 hours. After washing, they were placed under a temperature of 30°C for germination. When the seeds began to sprout slightly, they were sown into nutrient bowls filled with soil mixed with 60 kg of decomposed organic fertilizer per cubic meter. The seedbeds were watered, and the seeds were planted in the bowls. A thin layer of soil (about 1 cm) was placed on top, followed by plastic film coverage. During the day, the temperature was kept between 27–28°C, and ventilation was done when necessary. At night, insulation was crucial to prevent freezing. 3. **Seedbed Management**: The greenhouse was sealed before the seedlings emerged to maintain high temperatures and promote uniform growth. Once the seedlings were fully developed, the plastic film was removed to allow sufficient light. If nighttime temperatures dropped below 15°C, a small arch film was used for insulation. After removing the film, watering was carefully controlled. Dry conditions were encouraged to strengthen the seedlings, and the roots were watered one day before transplanting. Seven days before transplanting, gradual ventilation helped the seedlings acclimate, ensuring strong, healthy plants with thick stems and robust root systems. 4. **Transplanting**: Before planting, old crops were removed, and the soil was 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 average temperatures stabilized above 8°C and the seedlings were about 30 days old, they were transplanted with a spacing of 1–1.2 meters between rows and 30 cm between plants, resulting in 1,800–2,200 plants per acre. Immediately after planting, root watering was performed, followed by mulch application. 5. **Training and Pruning**: Bamboo poles, 2–2.5 meters long, were placed every two loofah vines. The vines were guided upward along the poles. When reaching the top, all side branches were removed, and the main vine was left to grow. No need for artificial fruit hanging, as the plant naturally produced fruit. 6. **Harvesting**: Loofahs were harvested when they reached 25–28 cm in length, starting in early May. The first harvest occurred 25–30 days after planting, yielding 1,200–1,500 kg per mu. 7. **Recycling and Regeneration**: After harvesting the first batch from late May to early June, 3–4 nodes were left at the base of the vines, and the main vines were pruned to 30–40 cm. New shoots grew quickly, and additional fertilization was applied—either 20 kg of 45% high-efficiency compound fertilizer or 8 kg of urea per acre. Ditches were watered appropriately, and irrigation was done if cracks appeared. The second harvest occurred 12–15 days later, with yields of 1,100–1,400 kg per mu. Proper ventilation was maintained in the greenhouse, with daytime air circulation and nighttime closure based on temperature. Root feeding with 25 kg of diluted compound fertilizer was applied, and 75% chlorothalonil WP (150 g per acre) was sprayed to prevent diseases. The safety interval was 20 days. With proper care, three cycles of regenerative cultivation were achieved, allowing vines to climb naturally and be harvested at full maturity.

Allulose

Allulose,low-calorie sweetener,healthy sugar alternative

Qingdao Bailong Huichuang Bio-tech Co., Ltd. , https://www.sdblcycn.com