First, the selection of species.
We choose varieties that have high yield, heat resistance, good commercial value, and strong disease resistance for cultivation in protected environments. These characteristics ensure better growth performance and marketability under controlled conditions.
Second, nursery preparation.
1. Seedbed Preparation:
In a plastic greenhouse, the nursery beds should be set up in an area that is easy to manage and operate. For winter and spring seedlings, heating systems such as electric heating mats are used to maintain optimal temperatures. In summer and autumn, insect-proof shade nets are installed to protect young plants from pests and excessive sunlight. The nursery can be either small-scale or industrialized, depending on the needs. Before planting, all nursery facilities must be disinfected. A solution of 30–50 ml of formalin per square meter of bed, mixed with 3 liters of water, is sprayed onto the soil. The bed is then covered with plastic film for a day, and after the smell dissipates, the seeds can be sown.
2. Nutrient Soil Preparation:
The nutrient soil should be loose, well-draining, neutral in pH, and free from pathogens and pests. The recipe includes 6 parts of fertile topsoil (from fields where no solanaceae crops were grown in the past three years), 4 parts of decomposed manure, 1 kg of diammonium phosphate, and 15 kg of wood ash per cubic meter. Additionally, 0.5 kg of carbendazim is added to prevent fungal diseases. All components are thoroughly mixed and filled into trays measuring 120 cm long, 60 cm wide, and 10 cm high.
3. Seed Treatment:
(1) Disinfection:
Two main methods are used—hot water treatment and chemical disinfection.
- Hot Water Treatment: Soak seeds in clean water, rub them gently, and rinse to remove impurities. Then place them in warm water to swell. Afterward, immerse them in hot water at 50–55°C for 3–4 hours, followed by a 5–10 minute soak in cold water to cool down.
- Trisodium Phosphate Treatment: Soak seeds in clean water for 3–4 hours, then dip them in a 10% trisodium phosphate solution (50 g in 500 ml water) for 20 minutes. Rinse thoroughly before germination.
(2) Germination:
After disinfection, wash the seeds and let them sit for 6–8 hours. Wrap them in a damp cloth and keep them at 25–30°C. Rinse them once or twice daily with fresh water to maintain moisture and promote germination.
4. Sowing:
Sow the seeds when about 70% of them have sprouted. Choose a sunny morning for sowing. Water the seedbed thoroughly before planting, and level the soil with nutrient mix. Mix the sprouted seeds with half of the nutrient soil and spread them evenly. Cover with another 0.8–1.0 cm layer of nutrient soil. Apply 8 grams of wettable powder per square meter to prevent damping-off. Cover the seedbed with a plastic film in spring or a shade net in summer.
5. Post-Sowing Management:
Once 70% of the seedlings emerge, remove the cover and ventilate regularly. Provide adequate light to avoid leggy growth. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Spray a mixture of 150 mg/mu of mancozeb or 75% benzothiadiazole (100g) plus 0.2kg KH₂PO₄ weekly to prevent diseases. At the true leaf stage, spray 1000–1200 times diluted Chilled Liquid to strengthen the seedlings, making them sturdy and dark green.
6. Seedling Transplanting and Sub-seedling Care:
When the seedlings have two leaves and one heart, transplant them on a sunny day. Place them in nutrient pots with soil similar to the original nursery mix. Water the transplanted seedlings and apply a preventive spray of 70% mancozeb (150g/mu) or 75% benzothiadiazole (110g/mu) combined with 0.2kg KHâ‚‚POâ‚„ to prevent disease.
Sub-seedlings are not moved outside until they are acclimated to outdoor temperatures. Increase ground temperature to encourage root development and reduce transplant shock. One week before planting, gradually acclimate the seedlings by ventilating and keeping daytime temperatures between 15–20°C and nighttime temperatures between 5–10°C.
Strong seedlings should meet specific criteria: Spring seedlings should be 25 cm tall with a stem diameter of at least 0.6 cm, large buds, and dark green leaves, with no signs of pests or disease. Summer seedlings should have four leaves and one heart, be around 15 cm tall, with stems about 0.4 cm thick, and be approximately 25 days old.
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