Reasons for the absence of cucumber ovaries - how to deal with barren flowers

  • Jul 31, 2021

Gardeners can be left without a harvest of cucumbers if a lot of barren flowers are formed on the bushes. Various factors negatively influence the development of ovaries.

Growing and caring for cucumbers. Illustration for this article is used under a standard license © ofazende.com
Growing and caring for cucumbers. Illustration for this article is used under a standard license © ofazende.com
Growing and caring for cucumbers. Illustration for this article is used under a standard license © ofazende.com

Why are there no ovaries?

Abundant flowering of cucumbers without the subsequent appearance of ovaries can be observed for various reasons.

Poor quality seeds

Used when growing cucumbers seed material 2-3 years ago. If it was stored improperly, for example in a cold room, then barren flowers will develop in large numbers on the plants.

Seeds, except for hybrid varieties, need to be warmed up for 10-15 days, placing them near a battery. Then comes the stage of hardening, followed by germination, for which growth stimulants are used.
Growing cucumbers. Illustration for this article is used under a standard license © ofazende.com
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Growing cucumbers. Illustration for this article is used under a standard license © ofazende.com

Non-compliance with the temperature regime

Cucumber belongs to the list of heat-loving vegetable crops. With sudden changes in temperature, the fruits on the lashes are tied poorly.

The optimal range for the fruiting of cucumbers is the range from +20 to +35 ° C. A significant drop or excessive increase in temperature is bad for flowering.

When growing crops in a greenhouse in the heat, regular ventilation is practiced. High humidity and excessive heat cause an outbreak of fungal infection.

If the temperature drops sharply, plantings in open ground should be covered with foil or spunbond. Warm ridges help to save cucumbers from the cold. It is possible to carry out foliar feeding of plants to strengthen the immune system.

Cucumber care. Illustration for this article is used under a standard license © ofazende.com
Cucumber care. Illustration for this article is used under a standard license © ofazende.com

Lack of nutrient compounds

Cucumbers are usually grown in fertile soil. But during the growing season, they will need additional nutrition without exceeding dosages.

Young seedlings need nitrogen. This element contributes to the intensive development of greenery. But it should be borne in mind that if this compound in the soil is in excess, then the yield decreases. At the stage of abundant flowering, the introduction of organic matter has a beneficial effect on the growth of cucumber lashes and the formation of ovaries.

Thickened plantings

Cucumbers quickly grow additional shoots and abundant foliage. This makes it difficult to ventilate, creates an excessive shade.

In such conditions, plants often suffer from a lack of moisture and nutrient compounds. They are affected by diseases and pests. This provokes the absence of ovaries.

When planting, the interval between individual seedlings is not less than 20-25 cm. During the growing season, it is recommended to remove the lower leaves, weak, damaged, yellowed shoots, ensuring sufficient air intake.

Cucumber processing. Illustration for this article is used under a standard license © ofazende.com
Cucumber processing. Illustration for this article is used under a standard license © ofazende.com

Improper watering

Cucumbers must not be overdried. Watering is required abundant and frequent, but without prolonged stagnation of the liquid. Excessive waterlogging causes root rot.

It is important to use water that has settled in the sun, as cold watering causes the ovaries to fall off. The procedure is carried out in the evening. Spraying is allowed only in excessively hot weather. The soil under the cucumber lashes is not loosened so as not to damage the surface roots.

When cloudy rainy weather sets in for a long time, an awning made of a moisture-proof film is pulled over the cucumber ridge. This will help eliminate dangerous waterlogging of the soil.

Watering cucumbers. Illustration for this article is used under a standard license © ofazende.com
Watering cucumbers. Illustration for this article is used under a standard license © ofazende.com

Emergency measures

A situation may arise when, with full observance of agricultural technology, barren flowers abundantly develop on cucumbers. Action must be taken quickly.

To solve the problem, pinching of all growth points is carried out. On the lateral shoots developing after such an operation, female flowers usually begin to form.

Cucumbers, when properly planted and properly organized care, delight with a good harvest. If a barren flower appears on the lashes and there is no ovary, an urgent need to identify the cause of the trouble in order to then help the plants recover.

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