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Rational application of pesticides in cucumber production
In the management of cucumber pests and diseases, the proper use of pesticides plays a vital role. When applied correctly, it ensures effective control, reduces the number of applications, lowers costs, improves vegetable quality, and increases yield. However, improper application can lead to environmental pollution, excessive pesticide residues in crops, development of pest resistance, and higher costs. Therefore, the general principle should be: "timely, appropriate, reasonable, targeted, unified, safe, and efficient."
1. **Targeted Application**: Only apply pesticides when necessary to achieve the desired effect. Different pests have different behaviors and prefer different areas for treatment. For example, diseases like downy mildew, gray mold, powdery mildew, and rust should be sprayed on the underside of leaves. In contrast, diseases such as anthracnose, ring spot, leaf blight, and leaf rot require spraying on the upper surface.
2. **Timely Application**: Apply pesticides according to the life cycle of the pests. As pests grow older, their resistance increases. The best time to spray is before the third larval stage. For pests like borerworms, cotton bollworms, and thrips, using traps can significantly improve effectiveness.
3. **Climate-Based Timing**: Pesticide efficacy depends on temperature. For instance, trichlorfon, dimethoate, and phoxim work better at higher temperatures, while pyrethroid insecticides like lambda-cyhalothrin and bifenthrin perform better at lower temperatures. It’s best to apply them in the early morning or late evening. For systemic agents like insecticides, fungicides, and growth regulators, applying them in the afternoon or evening when humidity is high and light is low gives better results. Microbial insecticides, which are sensitive to light and moisture, should be used during foggy conditions.
4. **Disease-Specific Timing**: Apply pesticides before the disease causes severe damage. Protective fungicides should be used before pathogens infect the crop. For example, controlling viral diseases in vegetables is more challenging once they’ve taken hold.
5. **Post-Cultivation Considerations**: In greenhouses, apply pesticides on sunny mornings or midday to allow for ventilation and reduce humidity. In open fields, avoid spraying before rain, as it may wash away the chemicals.
6. **Appropriate Concentration**: The concentration of the pesticide directly affects its effectiveness. Too low a concentration may not work, while too high can waste resources, harm beneficial insects, and cause plant damage. Adjust the concentration based on the pesticide’s toxicity, pest density, weather, and crop type.
7. **Correct Application Method**: Use suitable methods depending on the pest. For underground pests, options include soil treatment, baiting, and root irrigation. Seed treatments like soaking in warm water or chemical solutions help prevent seed-borne diseases. In protected environments, smogging is more effective than spraying, as it provides even coverage, quick action, and doesn’t increase humidity.
8. **Rotation of Pesticides**: Long-term use of the same pesticide can lead to resistance. Alternating between two or more similar pesticides helps maintain effectiveness and delay resistance.
9. **Mixing Pesticides**: Combining two or more pesticides can enhance control, reduce the number of applications, and broaden the range of targets. However, mixing must ensure compatibility, maintaining the active ingredients and physical properties of each product.
10. **Safe Application**: Most pesticides are toxic to humans and animals. Always follow safety guidelines to avoid poisoning. Avoid highly toxic or long-residue pesticides, and opt for biological alternatives whenever possible.
11. **Phytotoxicity Management**: If plants show signs of pesticide damage—such as yellowing, curling, or necrosis—act quickly. Rinse the affected area with clean water, adjust the solution if needed (e.g., add vinegar for alkaline sprays or lime for acidic ones), and ventilate if indoors. Remove damaged leaves promptly to prevent further spread.
12. **Recovery Measures**: Boost plant recovery by increasing cell hydration, promoting metabolism, and diluting harmful substances in the roots. Foliar fertilizers like Plant Life, Bao, and BR-120 can also help alleviate symptoms.
Cucumber seedlings and flowering stages are particularly sensitive to pesticides. Avoid spraying during midday heat, as rapid evaporation can increase chemical concentration and cause damage. The best time to spray is between 3–4 PM.