Features of agricultural technology of the hybrid cucumber variety "Spino f1"

The Spino F1 hybrid was created by Dutch breeders. It was developed for growing in conditions where natural light may be scarce. It is parthenocarpic, requiring no pollination by bees. Ovaries are formed by the pistils and stamens. It is suitable for both greenhouse and open ground planting. Numerous shoots can be observed on the bushes, and at least 5 fruits will grow in one axil.

Plant characteristics

This variety appeared in Russia relatively recently, but it's already receiving positive reviews. Thanks to its short internodes and wide leaf blades, the cucumbers produce numerous ovaries. This type of flowering is called cluster flowering. The cucumbers ripen 40 days after the first shoots appear. The vegetable grows:

• 12-14 cm in length;
• with bumpy skin;
• beautiful green shade;
• without stripes and spots;
• cylindrical;
• without bitterness;
• with a sweetish taste.

They have a wide range of uses, as they can be eaten fresh or pickled in jars for winter storage, either in the refrigerator or in the cellar. Once you've tried the lightly salted Spino cucumbers, you'll find it impossible to resist. Syngenta produces the hybrid's seed and distributes it worldwide.

Positive qualities:

1. Early ripening period.
2. Good taste.
3. Versatility in application.
4. High yield. From 1m² You can collect about 25 kg of vegetables.
5. Resistance to transportation, diseases and pests.
6. Resistance to low light.
7. Easy to care for.

There are also some downsides. Hybrids are planted only once, and it's impossible to harvest seeds from them. More precisely, they won't produce any seeds when planted, as the seeds are empty.

Diseases and pests

The hybrid was bred to be resistant to diseases and pests common to cucumbers. However, if the summer is characterized by high humidity and low temperatures, preventative measures will be beneficial. Regularly spray the bushes with products that contain increased copper content, such as:

• Kurdan;
• Gamair;
• Thanos.

The treatments can be liberally applied to the stem surface and foliage, but the weather must be dry to prevent rain from washing away the treatment. Failure to follow maintenance and care recommendations may result in the following problems:

1. Cucumber mosaic. A viral disease that can rapidly multiply and spread. Without appropriate control measures, entire plantings can be destroyed.
2. Cladosporiosis. This is a brown spot. The crop will gradually develop brown, water-soaked spots. These can destroy not only the foliage but also the fruit.
3. Downy mildew. A fungal disease that causes the entire plant to die.
4. Powdery mildew This is a fungal disease. It multiplies quickly and quickly consumes all the foliage. A thick white coating can be seen on each side.
5. Gray mold. Brown spots spread from the foliage and reach the roots. Consequences include stunted growth and death of the bushes.

By following preventative measures, you can protect your bushes from pests.

Agricultural technology

The Spino variety is resistant to sudden temperature fluctuations and stress, making it highly sought after. These factors eliminate problems during transplanting seedlings into the garden, which can be associated with other varieties:

• decreased immunity;
• the formation of diseases;
• deterioration of general condition;
• weakness of the root system and death.

Although this variety was bred by breeders, it requires constant care. It's best grown in a greenhouse, away from bees. It's best to prepare the seedlings first and then transplant them. For germination, you'll need to purchase peat pots and seeds. For this, choose specialized retailers that offer certified products.

If potassium permanganate is unavailable, commercially available solutions can be used. The planting medium should be 50% humus, and the seeds should be planted 13-20 mm deep, pointed end up, in a hole.

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The holes are watered with warm water, and the pots are covered with plastic wrap. They are placed in rooms with an air temperature of at least +20 ^OC. When the first sprouts appear, the film is removed.

To select planting dates, you can use:

• lunar calendar;
• recommendations of breeders;
• climatic features of the region.

If a gardener can provide the plant with proper care, seeds can be planted even as early as February. However, this is most often done in mid-March to early April. Transplanting into the ground is acceptable when the seedlings have about five true leaves.

Disinfect the soil when planting seeds or moving peat pots into a greenhouse. Seedlings should be spaced 20 cm apart, with a 50 cm gap between rows sufficient. If seedlings are in plastic containers rather than pots, carefully separate the clumps.

When growing without seedlings, dig trenches in the beds and lay out the seeds at intervals of 25 cm. Leave a space of 35 cm between the future plants to prevent them from interfering with each other during growth and active development. Sowing seeds directly into the ground is acceptable when:

• the soil is well warmed up;
• Frosts are excluded, which is relevant for the last days of May.

Place 4-5 seeds into holes 18-20 mm deep.

They are watering Drip irrigation. Water should be added daily; the water should be warm and settled. Both dehydration and excess water are harmful.

The following rules must be observed:

1. Loosen the soil 2-3 times a week.
2. If the soil is heavy and crusty, loosen it every time after watering.
3. Once the plant reaches a height of 25-35 cm, it needs to be tied up to prevent the vines from lying on the ground, getting tangled, or rotting. To secure the vines, dig a trellis into the ground next to the bushes.
4. For fertilization, use mineral and organic fertilizers, alternating them and using only those formulas designed for cucumbers. Carefully follow the instructions for dilution and application. The key principle at this stage of care is regularity and moderation.

Most fertilizers contain high amounts of potassium and nitrogen. These nutrients are essential for accelerating plant growth and development, and speeding up fruit set. Specific fertilizers are used for each growth phase.

If there are too many weeds in the garden, the harvest will be a long time coming. The roots will suffer from weed pressure and will gradually die off, unable to absorb beneficial micronutrients.

Reviews

Gardeners love the Spino F1 variety. Many grow it regularly in their gardens and are pleased with the results.

Tamara, 60 years old

Spino appeared on the market a couple of years ago. At first, I didn't pay attention to it, choosing other varieties, but then I noticed that the stock was flying off the shelves. I decided to give it a try, bought it, and planted it. I'm happy with the results. I don't have time to pick cucumbers and pickle them because they grow incredibly fast. I recommend it.

Natalia, 42 years old

I only decided to get a vegetable garden this year. I didn't know what to plant or how. A neighbor recommended the Spino variety. I can say from personal experience that cucumbers can grow even in shady areas. Our summers aren't particularly hot, so that's a real problem, but not with this hybrid.

Elena, 49 years old

I prefer to grow cucumbers without a greenhouse. I chose Spino and have already pickled about 19 jars, and it's only the beginning of the season. We've had our fill of fresh salads, which are delicious and flavorful. Even the pickiest healthy eaters will love them.

To ensure a high cucumber yield, simply caring for it with watering and loosening the soil isn't enough. Regular, accurate, and properly dosed feeding is essential. It's important not to overload the plant. The Spino variety can produce normal fruiting if there are no more than 20 ovaries on the trunk at any one time. If there are more, there will be a significant redistribution of beneficial micronutrients, leading to a deficiency. As a result, the plant will weaken, become susceptible to disease, and may even die.