There is no clear answer to the question of whether it is necessary to cut off the mustaches of cucumbers in a greenhouse. Of course, to get a higher yield, various agricultural techniques are used. Although trimming the mustache of cucumbers involves an additional amount of work, this does not bother supporters of the method. Opinions about whether it is necessary to cut off the mustache of cucumbers are quite contradictory and often poorly reasoned.
Important! The mustaches of pumpkin plants, which include cucumbers, are modified shoots and leaves.
With their help, the plant supports a powerful stem that is not able to independently attach itself to a vertical support.This quality helped cucumbers in natural conditions to successfully compete with other species and receive sufficient sunlight.
Arguments for removing the mustache of a cucumber
When growing cucumbers in a greenhouse, this function of the mustache is not in demand, so it is recommended to remove them. Quite convincing arguments are put forward in favor of such an agricultural technique.
- To obtain an early harvest, at a certain stage of growth, it is necessary to create conditions for the generative development of cucumbers. That is why, along with lateral shoots, they practice the removal of tendrils, which take away a certain amount of nutrition and energy from the plant.
- Quite often, in dense planting conditions, plants cling with their tendrils to the shoots of a neighboring bush. Tangled vines of cucumbers shade each other, reducing air exchange. In these cases, the mustache plexus must be cut off.
- The argument in favor of removing mustaches is that they are not in demand. Indeed, in a greenhouse, the cucumber stem is supported using stretched twine or garden netting. Therefore, the whisker flagella can be removed without any damage.
All these arguments are not sufficiently reasoned, and based on them it is quite difficult to decide whether it is necessary to trim the mustache of cucumbers. Opponents of such methods of fighting for the harvest also participate in the debate, defending their point of view.
Arguments against cucumber mustache removal
Features created by nature are not in demand only in growing conditions in a greenhouse, where plants practically do not need to compete. Cucumber seedlings are in equal conditions.
- But there is no need to say that they take too many resources from the plant. Accurate data on these parameters does not exist.Unlike creeping shoots that perform a vegetative function in strawberries, the tendrils of cucumbers die when they do not find an obstacle to growth.
- Too thick planting is most often to blame for the intertwining of neighboring plants. It is this that prevents the greenhouse from being maintained in order, limiting access to plants.
- Trimming whisker flagella must be done carefully, and this requires additional time. Why cut off the mustache of cucumbers if there are more effective and efficient ways to increase productivity.
- Of course, shoots of cucumber mustache are often cut off out of necessity. But it makes no sense to turn this procedure into a punitive action. From the axil of each new leaf they appear again, trying to fulfill the function laid down during evolution.
Important! Opponents of pruning argue that the procedure is stressful for plants.
How this affects cucumbers is not known for certain. Perhaps they begin to form fruits more intensively or simply increase green mass.
Questions remain
As we study the topic, more and more questions appear. After all, such an agrotechnical technique is not included in the recommendations of seed manufacturers for plant care.
What to do with the shoots of mustache that form on cucumbers growing not in a greenhouse, but in open ground. After all, it is more difficult to secure a plant in the open air. There is a chance that a fungal infection will take root at the site of the torn mustache.
This fear is true for street people, greenhouse cucumbers, and those plants that fill film greenhouses. If at the site of each removed mustache there is a wound in which a potential disease could arise, then why take such a risk.
It is not clear whether it is necessary to remove the very first flagella of the cucumber seedlings. They don't bother anyone there. How will pinching the antennae affect the future development of a young cucumber? Is it necessary to cut them off like side shoots, or can you tear off the rather thin flagella with your hands?
The smartest solution
The answers to most questions are obvious and lie in traditional agricultural practices.
In fact, in certain situations, cucumber mustaches are always removed without even thinking about it. This process is not at all unusual. They often have to be torn off in the following cases:
- when they invade neighboring plants and the growth of the lash goes in the wrong direction;
- in the case when the tangle of shoots and tendrils interferes with the care of cucumbers, they have to be removed;
- when the flagella of the mustache curl the leaves and stems, creating conditions suitable for the reproduction of pests.
At these moments, the thought does not even arise about whether to eliminate the obstacle or not. But such situations happen infrequently, and if you tore off a dozen whiskers, you are unlikely to have caused serious damage to the cucumber bush.
But completely destroying the mustache seems unwise. No matter how much you remove them, they will appear again. In addition, the whisker flagella are quite strong and have natural shock-absorbing properties. Therefore, they should be cut with garden shears and not torn off. After all, with a sharp pull, the cucumber stem can break.
The strength of the tendrils can support the plant even in a greenhouse. Why not just point them towards the holding twine or trellis. This will help make them full-fledged assistants.
The answer to the question of whether to cut off the mustache flagella of cucumbers is quite simple. If they are in the way, then cut them without any doubt. Soon another tendril will appear in the axil of the new leaf.The plant will find resources for its production. But once you start fighting the mustache, it’s easy to follow an overly labor-intensive and ineffective path to increasing your yield. It is better to use already proven methods
