Pre-growing courgette rot is a common problem that can affect crop yield and quality. Let’s discover together the causes of this phenomenon and how to effectively prevent it.
The zuchinis they are not only delicious and low-calorie, but also very versatile in the kitchen. However, their cultivation can present some difficulties, including rotting of the fruits before they reach maturity. We analyze the causes of this problem and offer practical solutions to prevent and treat it.
Courgette rot is often linked to excessive humidity. This can result from a particularly rainy year or excessive irrigation. High humidity creates the ideal environment for the development of fungi and other pathologies that can affect courgettes.
Excessive humidity
When the soil is too wet, the plant will have difficulty transpiring, leading to a buildup of water in the fruit, which can cause rot. Furthermore, high humidity favors the proliferation of fungi which directly attack the fruit.
Here are some preventative measures:
- Reduce the frequency of irrigation.
- Maintain adequate distance between plants to improve air circulation.
- Use the mulching to keep the soil moist without excess.
Nutrient deficiency
Another factor that contributes to courgette rot is the deficiency of essential nutrients, especially of soccer. A lack of calcium can lead to the phenomenon of apical necrosiswhere the fruit develops a dark spot that expands until the fruit rots completely.
Calcium deficiency can be due to several external factors:
- High humidity in the soil.
- Prolonged drought.
- Excess fertilization.
- Root damage caused by gardening work.
Prevent courgette rot
Fortunately, there are several strategies for preventing zucchini rot. It is vital to test the soil before planting to ensure calcium levels are adequate and add amendments if necessary.
Some helpful tips include:
- Keep the soil evenly moist.
- Use organic mulch to conserve moisture.
- Avoid fertilizers with high nitrogen content which can limit calcium absorption.
- Be careful not to damage the roots during gardening work.
Treat courgettes that are rotting
If the courgettes are already showing signs of rot, it is possible to take action to save the crop. Remove damaged fruit immediately and add calcium to the soil.
It is best to administer calcium directly to the roots, for example through a drip irrigation system, using calcium chloride or calcium nitrate.
With these precautions, the problem of courgette rot will be a thing of the past!
