Sowing, Transplanting, and Care of Vine crops
Sowing, Transplanting and Care of Vine Crops (Adapted for Annual Cucubits Viz; Cucumber, Gourds, Melons, Pumpkin, and Squashes)
Most cucurbits are monoecious and annual inhabitants, barring a few exceptions. Almost all require a warm climate, well-drained loam to sandy loam, or sandy soil with an adequate amount of organic matter incorporated in the soil. Most grow vigorously on the ground, however, few, like bottle gourd, bitter gourd, snake gourd, sponge gourd, ridge gourd, etc respond well to training on ‘bowers’ (a shady, leafy shelter) made of bamboo and sticks or ‘arbour” pargola’ system. This helps escape the fruits from direct contact with wet soil, which causes fruit rotting.
The growth and development of hanging fruits enable the produce to command a premium in the market. Higher yields can be obtained from cucurbitaceous crops by harvesting them at regular and frequent intervals.
Low humidity, poor soil fertility, high temperature, and longer daylight induce maleness, thus low productivity in most gourds. However, cloudiness favors the early appearance of pistillate flowers at lower nodes in Ash/Wax gourd and pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata). As an exception, in a dry atmosphere, flower initiation usually advances, and the male-female sex ratio is reduced in Winter Squash (Cucurbita maxima).
Pre-soaking seeds, especially bitter gourd and muskmelon, in lukewarm water for 24 hours is beneficial. Soaked seeds are kept in a wet, thick cotton cloth/jute bag/woolen blanket in a warm place for 2-4 days. This results in the softening and rupturing of the hard seed coat for rapid germination. A pH value of 5.5 – 6.8 barring a few exceptions is good for most cucurbits.
techniques and practical experience.
Select a well-drained, leveled plot for the cultivation, having a gentle slope of 0.25 to 0.50% on one side. 200-300 quintals per hectare of well-rotten farmyard manure (FYM) or compost is uniformly spread, and the field is worked to a fine tilth. Remove all the weeds and stubs of the previous crop. Approx. 40-50-centimeter-wide furrows are dug 10-15 centimeters deep, with the slope of the field at 150-200 centimeters. This would ensure the drainage of excess water during the monsoon. Thus, raised beds are prepared. Level the beds using spades or by a tractor-mounted rotovator.
Circular pits measuring 60 cm x 45 cm are then dug 15 cm deep, adjoining the furrows at 60-90 cm center to center of each pit, and left upon for about 3-4 days. Then each pit is filled with a mixture of 3-5 kilograms of well-rotten farmyard manure (FYM) and soil in a 50-50 ratio along with a fertilizer mix of 150-200 grams (ammonium sulfate/calcium-ammonium nitrate or 30-40 grams of urea, 40-50 grams of superphosphate, and 80-100 grams Muriate of potash). The pits are then left unattended for about 15 days. Circular basins are then formed by hand hoes or a trowel, removing all soil lumps and pebbles. Normally, 2-3 seeds are sown, at an average recommended depth of seed sowing between 1.0 to 2.5 centimeters, in each basin on the furrow side and covered with fine-sieved farmyard manure or compost.
This method is now becoming popular with most vegetable growers around the country. A significant advantage of this system is that such a crop is not unnecessarily exposed to the vagaries of nature, frost, various diseases, and insect pests. Transplanted crops bear early since the seedlings are already well-developed at the planting time. Extra care should, however, be taken not to disturb the delicate root system of vine crops while transplanting; otherwise, the transplants would fail to establish. Since the nursery area is compact, the grower spends less time, energy, and revenue inspecting and maintaining the crop. Since most cucurbitaceous seeds have a sweet kernel, this being a favorite food of ants, white ants, and rodents like field rats, mice, squirrels, etc, and some birds are quietly removed, leaving the field with low crop density and a smaller harvest for the grower. Raising the nursery thus has a definite advantage.
Select a proper site for the nursery as described under ‘Raising of seedlings and nursery care’ (Refer to previous post) Use 40-50 micron, 10-12 cm long and 7-8 cms wide polyethylene bags for sowing Use the same soil mix as stated for cole crops and fruit vegetables, fill the bags, leaving 1.0 centimeter on top Since cucurbits do not survive under excess water, ensure that the polyethylene bags are punctured or cut at places with a blade to drain Cluster the bags in rows with wooden batons
Remember that the basins (as described in ‘Direct planting of seed’) are ready on time. Transplant each bag containing one seeding per basin after delivery, cutting, and disposing of the polyethylene bag with a sharp blade. Ensure that no roots are cut. Dig a hole in the basin equivalent to the size and volume of each bag and place the transplant in it. Cover lightly but firmly and without disturbing the root system. Irrigate each basin with plenty of water. The seedlings would soon take root in the new location and grow at a slow pace for an excellent early crop. Within 20–25 days, the plants would require a top dressing with nitrogenous fertilizer. A dose of 50 kilograms of Urea per hectare is recommended.
Read Further;
Multi-layer farming Model Objective Process and Advantages
Role of Plant Nutrients in Development of the Plant