What to do if zucchini ovaries are rotting: tips for saving the harvest

28.06.2024 14:00

This is a problem that gardeners often face. The situation with zucchini ovary rot is frustrating, as this process can greatly reduce the yield.

The main causes of rotting are unfavorable weather conditions, lack of pollination and improper watering.

To solve this problem, you need to understand how each factor affects the development of zucchini and how to prevent ovary rot.

Adverse weather conditions: how to protect plants

Weather conditions play an important role in the growth and development of zucchini. High humidity and sudden temperature changes can contribute to the development of fungal diseases that cause ovary rot.

It is important to monitor the weather forecast and, if necessary, use covering materials to protect plants from excess moisture.

a plant
Photo: © Belnovosti

Polyethylene film or special agrofibre helps maintain an optimal microclimate around plants and prevent ovary rotting.

Lack of Pollination: Attracting Bees and Other Pollinators

Squash requires pollination to produce fruit. Its deficiency often leads to ovary rotting. To improve pollination, it is necessary to attract bees and other pollinating insects to the garden.

Planting lavender, calendula, basil and other honey plants around the zucchini area will help increase the number of pollinators.

You can use hand pollination by transferring pollen from male flowers to female flowers using a brush or cotton swab.

Proper watering: the key to healthy ovaries

Proper watering is a key factor in preventing zucchini ovary rot. Excessive watering causes water stagnation in the soil, which leads to root and ovary rot.

Watering should be regular but moderate.

The best time for watering is in the morning, when the sun is not too active and the water has time to soak into the soil before the heat sets in.

Agronomists recommend using drip irrigation, which ensures uniform soil moisture and prevents the formation of puddles.

Fight against fungal diseases: prevention and treatment

Gray mold, powdery mildew and other fungal diseases are a common cause of rotting of squash ovaries. To prevent their occurrence, it is necessary to carry out regular prevention.

Removing affected leaves and fruits, as well as spraying plants with special fungicides helps protect zucchini from fungal infections.

It is important to follow the standards for the use of chemicals and alternate them with biological preparations to avoid fungal resistance to chemicals.

Ensuring Proper Nutrition: The Role of Fertilizers

Nutrient deficiencies can weaken plants and make them more susceptible to disease.

Complex mineral fertilizers containing nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium help provide zucchini with everything they need for healthy growth.

It is important to apply fertilizers according to the recommendations, without exceeding the dosage, so as not to cause the opposite effect.

Compost, humus and other organic fertilizers improve the soil structure and supply plants with microelements.

The Role of Mulching: Retaining Moisture and Protecting the Soil

Mulching is an effective way to maintain optimal soil moisture and protect plants from diseases.

A layer of mulch made from straw, sawdust, grass clippings and other organic materials helps retain moisture in the soil, prevent weed growth and reduce the risk of fungal diseases in plants.

Mulching improves the soil structure, allowing air and water to better penetrate to plant roots.

Previously, 7 plants were named that can improve the quality of the soil.

Sergey Tumanov Author: Sergey Tumanov Internet resource editor


Content
  1. Adverse weather conditions: how to protect plants
  2. Lack of Pollination: Attracting Bees and Other Pollinators
  3. Proper watering: the key to healthy ovaries
  4. Fight against fungal diseases: prevention and treatment
  5. Ensuring Proper Nutrition: The Role of Fertilizers
  6. The Role of Mulching: Retaining Moisture and Protecting the Soil