Sparse bitter gourd July management points
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Bitter gourd is known for its strong branching and numerous side vines, some of which develop into fruits. To ensure good air circulation and healthy growth while reducing unnecessary nutrient consumption, all lateral branches below 1 meter should be removed. Then, select 2-3 strong branches above 1 meter and train them to climb up bamboo poles. Once the plant enters the middle growth stage, avoid further pruning, but remove old, yellow, or damaged leaves at the base to improve airflow and light penetration.
Bitter gourd requires consistent moisture but is sensitive to waterlogging. It's important to maintain proper drainage by digging ditches around the field. In case of heavy rain, water should be drained immediately to prevent root rot. Watering should be done according to soil moisture levels. On sunny days, when evaporation is high, water should be applied regularly to meet the plant’s physiological needs. Avoid drought stress, as it can lead to wilting and reduced yield. During the peak fruiting period, apply a balanced mix of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizers. You can spread the fertilizer directly in the field or use well-composted manure. Fertilization should follow the principle of “small amounts, frequent applications.†Ensure timely watering during hot and dry seasons, and keep the soil surface moist using wheat straw mulch to prevent excessive water accumulation.
Weed control is essential in bitter gourd fields. Keep the surrounding areas and irrigation channels free of weeds, and consider using glyphosate if necessary. Regularly inspect the plants and remove any old, yellow, or diseased leaves from the lower parts of the trellis. Also, eliminate any branches that do not bear fruit and shoots that lack female flowers. All removed plant parts must be collected in bags and disposed of properly to prevent disease spread.
To promote flowering and fruit set, you can spray solutions such as "Flowering Essence," "Fruit Promoter," "Spray Treasure," amino acids, apigenin, borax, potassium phosphate, and calcium nitrate. These products help enhance pollination and increase fruit production.
Common diseases include wilt, anthracnose, and powdery mildew. The main pest is the fruit fly. For powdery mildew, which appears during flowering and fruit development, spray the affected leaves with a solution of cyproconazole, triadimefon, sulfur suspension, or other approved fungicides every 7–10 days for 2–3 times. Make sure to use enough solution to cover the entire leaf surface.
The anthracnose disease typically starts on the leaf tips or edges, forming irregular, dark green, water-soaked lesions that later turn brown. When wet, a white mold may appear along the lesion borders. Control this with fungicides like chlorothalonil, epimedium, Boer Multifluid, nongliphene, anc, cipromorph, alpha-phosphorus, antivirus, or kimradler miller. Remove and destroy infected leaves to prevent further spread.
For aphid control, use insecticides such as triazophos, imidacloprid, acetamiprid, or avermectin. For fruit flies, spray the young fruits 2–3 times every 4–5 days during the early fruiting stage. Remove any deformed or infested fruits and dispose of them by burning or burying deep underground.