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Key points of eggplant seedling raising technology in autumn and winter in greenhouse
In the greenhouse, cultivating autumn eggplants during the fall and winter seasons can help reduce the market supply after frost, which often leads to higher prices. Eggplants are typically heat-loving plants that dislike cold. Normally, they grow from cold to warm conditions with long periods of sunlight. However, in autumn and winter, the growing conditions for eggplants are quite the opposite—colder temperatures and shorter daylight hours. This creates specific challenges for cultivation, requiring careful planning and suitable varieties.
First, selecting the right variety is essential. The production process involves both preheating and post-cooling phases, as well as exposure to worsening light conditions. Therefore, the chosen varieties should be resistant to diseases, able to withstand low temperatures, and have a rapid fruit development rate. Some recommended varieties include Eggplant Hybrid 9, Black Eggplant King, and Super Nine Leaves.
Second, proper nursery techniques are crucial. The ideal time to start seedlings is between mid-July and early August, with a seedling age of 35 to 40 days before transplanting in mid-August to early September. Ensuring the seedlings are of the correct age is key to successful growth. During this period, high temperatures, rain, excessive light, pests, drought, and root damage can all contribute to disease outbreaks. Therefore, the seedling stage must focus on "six defenses"—protection against light, rain, drought, heat, locusts, and root damage.
The seedbed should be located in a well-ventilated, dry area to ensure good drainage and prevent leggy growth. Eggplant seedlings thrive in soft, fertile, and moist soil. A nutrient-rich soil mix can be prepared using 50% mature soil free from solanaceous crops, 40% fully decomposed organic fertilizer, and 10% fine sand. For each cubic meter, add 1.5 kg of NPK compound fertilizer and 5 kg of wood ash, then sieve the mixture. The pH level should be between 6.5 and 7 for optimal growth.
To disinfect the bed soil, you can use 65% powdered dynox at a rate of 1 kg per cubic meter. After mixing, cover the soil with plastic film for 2–3 days before use. Alternatively, 0.5% formalin can be sprayed onto the soil, mixed, and covered with plastic for 5–7 days. Once the chemical smell has completely dissipated, the soil is ready for use. Carbendazim and other fungicides can also be used for effective disinfection.
Place bamboo arches at least 80 cm high over the seedbeds and use old plastic sheets, shade nets, or bamboo curtains to protect against light, heat, rain, and dew. It's best to expand the nursery area to 40–50 square meters per acre, allowing direct planting of seedlings. If possible, surround the seedbeds with nylon nets to prevent insect infestations.
After the seedlings emerge, loosen the soil and monitor for diseases. Apply a spray of 3000ppm chlormequat to control adult growth. After two leaves appear, spray a mixture of thiophanate-methyl, 5% garlic juice, 0.5% potassium dihydrogen phosphate, and 0.5% urea every 5–7 days to prevent seedling diseases. Also, keep an eye out for locusts, cockroaches, and slugs. Transplant when the seedlings have 4–5 leaves.