Lettuce stalk cracking is a major issue that significantly impacts the quality of lettuce, often leading to substantial economic losses for farmers. Many growers struggle to prevent this problem, which can result in lower market value and reduced yields. To help improve lettuce quality and minimize losses, it's important to understand the causes of stem cracking and implement effective preventive measures.
Stem cracking typically occurs during the harvest period and can be caused by several factors. First, improper water and nutrient management plays a key role. When there's an uneven supply of water or fertilizer, especially during the maturation stage of the fleshy stem, sudden drought followed by excessive watering can cause the stem to expand rapidly. At this point, the outer layer has already started to lignify (harden), making it unable to stretch, which leads to splitting. Second, temperature fluctuations—such as sudden shifts between hot and cold conditions—can also contribute to stem cracking. Third, a deficiency in boron can weaken the plant’s structure, reducing its resistance to stress and disease. This can lead to lower vitamin C content and a higher risk of cracking. To address this, farmers can apply a foliar spray of polyboron at a 1500x dilution when symptoms appear.
It's crucial to manage irrigation and fertilization carefully. Watering should be timely, neither too early nor too late, as both extremes can negatively affect stem development. Once watering begins, the growth of the stem accelerates, so increasing water and nutrients gradually is essential. The soil should remain slightly moist, with even watering and no flooding. Additionally, after the ground warms up, lightly loosening the soil and combining it with watering can help improve root health. Applying 1–2 top dressings of fertilizer and spraying polyboron at 1500x once can further reduce the risk of cracks.
Finally, timely harvesting is critical. The best time to harvest is when the top of the main stem is level with the tip of the tallest leaf. At this stage, the fleshy stem is fully developed, and the texture is crisp, making it less likely to crack. Harvesting at the right time not only ensures better quality but also helps maintain the economic value of the crop. By following these practices, farmers can significantly reduce the occurrence of stem cracking and improve overall lettuce production.
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