In order to get a high-quality and plentiful harvest, modern gardeners are trying to effectively use a whole arsenal of agricultural practices. In the situation with cucumbers, the topic for quite a heated debate has long been the question of whether it is necessary to cut off the mustache, and if it is worth doing, then how exactly. In answering it, it is important to take into account the functions performed by such processes.
The need for a procedure
For quite a long time, the opinions of lovers of cultivating cucumber beds about the need to cut off (cut off) mustaches on cucumber bushes are divided. At the same time, some gardeners are convinced that the antennae are practically useless and only draw juices from the plant.
Their opponents are convinced of the opposite and believe that the removal of the processes described only injures the bushes and even shortens the fruiting period.
These tendrils are considered to be thin shoots, as well as leaves that have taken on the appropriate configuration. They are formed in the axils of the leaves and are designed to support stems that do not have the ability to maintain a vertical position. The main advantage of this method of fixation is depreciation.
In practice, tendril trimming is most often used when growing cucumbers in greenhouse conditions. It is no secret that here the plants do not compete with each other for lighting, and there is no need for additional support for the bushes. Based on this, and also taking into account the simplification of harvesting, the shoots can be safely removed. In addition, it is worth highlighting other reasons for getting rid of a mustache.
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Antennae can significantly slow down the process of ripening cucumbers, taking away a significant part of the nutrients from the emerging fruits. This is especially true in situations where the gardener is trying to get an early crop.
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If the cucumber bushes in the greenhouse are planted at short intervals, then the flexible and thin shoots will inevitably cling to their neighbors. As a result of such entanglements, areas of extremely undesirable shading are created.
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Dense thickets will interfere with quality plant care and the formation of full-fledged fruits.
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Flexible sprouts are able to twist the leaves of cucumber bushes, thereby creating the most favorable conditions for the active reproduction of pathogenic bacteria.
It is worth noting that the above arguments are based on the main features of the culture in question. However, as practice shows, they are far from convincing for all modern gardeners. Even not all experts support the validity of the removal of the antennae. At the same time, the opponents of the considered agrotechnical method in defense of their position focus on the following points.
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Convincing evidence that the shoots take away the juices from the plant has not yet been given.
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The antennae that have not found any obstacles in their path die off on their own.
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Trimming and trimming mustaches require considerable effort and time.
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The described procedure must be implemented with the utmost care so as not to cause significant damage to the plant.
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After removal, new processes appear very quickly.
In addition to all of the above, many gardeners and gardeners rightly argue that it is possible to grow a rich crop of cucumbers without such methods.
Removal Technology
In greenhouse conditions, the antennae of cucumber seedlings must be removed as they form. This approach allows you to avoid the useless waste of nutrients, therefore, accelerate the formation and development of ovaries. Circumcision of the antennae should be done in the early morning so that the wounds on the bushes can heal by the evening. At the same time, it is important to take care of favorable conditions for plants in the greenhouse. This refers to temperature and humidity in the ranges from +20 to +28 degrees and from 85 to 90%, respectively.
Features of the procedure for removing antennal shoots will depend on where exactly cucumbers are grown. So, if we are talking about beds in open ground, then the processes will be soft and thin, which makes it very easy to get rid of them. But in such situations, it is important to take into account a number of factors.
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The tool must be prepared in advance. Scissors and pruners should be sharp and treated with disinfectants.
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The lateral tendrils are cut indented from the stem by about 10 mm.
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As a rule, not all shoots are eliminated, since the remaining ones will quickly fall off on their own.
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The cut sites must be immediately treated with an iodine solution using a regular cotton swab.
In the absence of experience, it is better to get rid of the mustache using the mentioned tool, so as not to damage the bush with your hands and not to infect.
When performing the described procedure in greenhouses, the algorithm of actions will look as follows.
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With scissors or secateurs, carefully cut off the antennal shoot, stepping back from the place of growth of about 4 cm.
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Remove the trimmings in a box or prepared container.
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Treat hemp with ash or a solution of potassium permanganate.
It is worth noting that the antennal shoots that have managed to gain a foothold on supports or twine after pruning can not be unhooked. They will dry out very quickly.
Often cucumbers are grown at home. At the same time, bushes can be located on the balcony and even on the windowsill. In such conditions, plants do not need a large number of shoots needed to support the stems. All the appropriate conditions for growth and full development are artificially created by man. The procedure for removing tendrils is performed both in situations with greenhouses and when growing cucumbers in open ground. It is important to get rid of excess sprouts in a timely manner, that is, immediately after their appearance.
To avoid the negative consequences for the bushes of the removal of the described growth will allow the observance of certain simple rules. Wash your hands before the procedure. It is necessary to monitor the condition of the tool being used. Cut sites should be carefully processed without delay. It will be useful to take care of your hands, which can be hurt by thorny bushes, and wear gloves. Two days after pruning and applying nitrogen-containing dressings, all treated bushes are sprayed with immunomodulators.
Useful Tips
In order to trim mustaches on cucumber bushes as correctly as possible, you should listen to the recommendations of experienced farmers.
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It is necessary to trim the shoots at the moment as soon as they begin to actively grow.
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When cutting, only a sharp and properly sharpened tool is used. In this way, the risk of damage to the plant can be minimized.
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It is necessary to leave hemp about 4 cm to prevent rotting.
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Before use, as well as when moving to a new bush, scissors or pruners should be disinfected.
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Pruning is done only in dry weather.
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After completing the procedure, it is required to water each bush well, using a watering can without a sprayer and adding mineral supplements to the water.
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In order to increase the immunity of plants, nitrogen fertilizers can be applied.
Summing up, we can say with confidence that each gardener decides individually whether or not to cut off the antennae on cucumbers. It is important to remember that in greenhouses there is no struggle of plants for a place in the sun, so there is no need to remove all the shoots.
