It's time to plant small fruits and tomatoes in spring

In the past two years, the variety of small-fruited tomatoes available on the local market has decreased significantly. Most of the products sold are "Virgin Women" tomatoes, with only occasional golden-yellow varieties appearing. However, these golden ones generally have lower sugar content and less flavor compared to their red counterparts. Among the red small tomatoes, "Cuihong" and "Dragon Girl" are considered premium options. These varieties stand out due to their superior quality, better growth performance, and notably higher sugar levels and more intense flavor. During trial planting in the Sichuan Plain over the past two years, it was found that the optimal time for transplanting seedlings is between mid-January and late February. Sowing beyond this period can negatively affect both the quality and yield of the crop. To ensure healthy growth, it's essential to start with strong seedlings. To cultivate robust seedlings, it's recommended to use nutrient-rich seedling trays. Before sowing, seeds should be disinfected to prevent disease. A common method involves soaking the seeds in a 12.5% trisodium phosphate solution for 20 minutes, followed by rinsing under running water for an hour and drying before sowing. Alternatively, seeds can be soaked in warm water at 55°C for 30 minutes and then dried. The growing medium should consist of a mix of loam, dry compost, sand, and rice husks in a ratio of 3:1:1:1. After sieving, add a suitable amount of compound fertilizer and superphosphate, fill the pots, and water thoroughly. Sow one seed per pot and cover with about 0.5 cm of fine soil. Due to cold weather, it's important to provide proper insulation, such as using a hotbed. Seedlings usually emerge within four days, and it's ideal to keep them for 30–40 days. During this period, applying a foliar spray of urea and potassium dihydrogen phosphate can help develop strong, healthy plants. For planting, choose sandy loam soil that is deep, fertile, and well-drained. The ideal pH range is 6.8–7.5. If the soil is too acidic (common due to acid rain), lime can be used to adjust it. Avoid planting after solanaceous crops to reduce the risk of soil-borne diseases. Prepare the field by adding 2000–3500 kg of organic manure per acre, along with 80 kg of superphosphate and 20 kg of potassium chloride. Spread these evenly and till the soil deeply. Construct raised beds 1.2 meters wide, planting two rows with 70–80 cm between rows and 50 cm between plants, resulting in approximately 1200 plants per acre. Cover the beds with plastic mulch to retain moisture, reduce weeds, and improve soil temperature. Ensure proper irrigation and drainage systems are in place. Before transplanting, water the seedlings a day in advance. When transplanting, handle the seedlings carefully from the bottom to avoid damaging the roots. After planting, water the seedlings with a 1000–1500 times dilution of thiophanate-methyl to prevent root rot and improve survival rates. Field management includes timely top-dressing. Small-fruited tomatoes require adequate nutrients, especially during flowering and fruiting. Apply nitrogen-based fertilizers in three stages: about 14 days after planting, 35 days after planting, and at the first harvest. Each application should be around 7.5 kg per acre. Later, foliar sprays are more effective. Pruning begins 3–4 weeks after transplanting. For "Cuihong," a double-stem pruning method is used, while "Dragon Girl" requires removing all lateral shoots promptly. Weeds must be controlled through regular removal or herbicides, avoiding soil disturbance near the plants to protect the roots. Staking is necessary around 20 days after planting. Use herringbone stakes 1.8–2.5 meters high and tie the branches securely to prevent lodging. During flowering, low temperatures may affect pollination, so flower stimulation or manual pollination can help increase yield. In areas prone to gray mold, fungicides like procymidone can be used, but caution is needed when mixing chemicals. It’s best to avoid using 2,4-D due to its complexity. Maintain consistent soil moisture, especially during fruiting, but avoid overwatering to prevent disease. Fertilizer and water management are crucial to promote vigorous plant growth and enhance fruit quality. Foliar sprays like flowering enhancers and fruit sweeteners can improve marketability. Pruning fruit clusters is also important. Select 20–30 well-developed fruits per cluster and remove the rest. If the plant is weak, it's better to remove the first panicle to allow the plant to strengthen. If the inflorescence is too long, some flowers can be removed to improve fruit size and quality. Harvesting should be done based on transport distance. For short distances, wait until the fruits are fully red. For long-distance transport, harvest when the fruits are still slightly green. For local sales, harvest when the fruits are fully mature. Always leave the calyx and stem attached during harvesting to maintain quality. (Chengdu Agricultural Quality Monitoring Center)

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