Um guia de cultivo passo a passo, da sementeira à colheita.
pH ideal 6.0 and 6.8
Sementeira
Normally started in trays and then transplanted to the final location about three weeks later, when the plant has 2 to 3 true leaves. Transplanting should not be done too late, as this can cause severe transplant shock, leading to delayed growth, smaller fruit size and reduced yields. Transplanting should only be carried out when the soil temperature at a depth of 10 cm is at least 18°C and there is no longer any risk of frost. The crop is usually grown in rows, maintaining a spacing of 45 to 60 cm between plants and 1.8 m between rows.
Solo
This crop prefers light, deep, rich and well-drained soils, with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8
Clima
It is a crop that favors high temperatures, both day and night. A south-facing exposure is beneficial, providing additional warmth.
Fertilização
Although this is not a particularly demanding crop, a base fertilization with some compost is recommended before planting.
Rega
Due to varying water requirements throughout the crop cycle, drip irrigation is recommended. Watering should be avoided in the week prior to full ripening, as it can seriously affect fruit quality. Drip irrigation has the added advantage of keeping foliage dry, reducing the risk of disease development.
Controlo de Infestantes
Mulching with organic materials or plastic is a good option for the crop, preventing weed competition and avoiding contact between the fruit and the soil, which can lead to some rots.
Controlo de Pragas
Mites, aphids, cutworms, leaf-miner larvae and thrips are pests that attack this crop. For mites, biological control with predatory mites can be used and, if necessary, azadirachtin or sulphur dust may be applied (if T <28°C). Aphids are controlled through moderate fertilisation without excess nitrogen, natural limitation with hedgerows along field borders to support beneficial insects, biological control with parasitoid and predatory hymenoptera, and, if necessary, potassium soap or azadirachtin. For cutworms, control measures include avoiding fresh manure, applying bait + bran + Bacillus thuringiensis on the soil near the crop, spraying Bacillus thuringiensis, and biological control with Steinernema carpocapsae nematodes. For leaf-miner larvae, biological control with parasitoid hymenoptera should be used, along with natural limitation through hedgerows and other nectar plants that feed the adult parasitoids; azadirachtin may also be used if necessary. Finally, thrips can be controlled by planting border strips of plants beneficial to anthocorid predators (such as marigolds and other composites) and through biological control with predatory mites and anthocorids.
Doenças
Powdery mildew and grey mould are two diseases affecting this crop. To control powdery mildew, use wide plant spacing, moderate fertilisation without excess nitrogen and, if necessary, apply dusting sulphur or sulphur powder combined with lithothamne (1:1) as a dust treatment, as it is less phytotoxic than pure sulphur. For grey mould control, remove diseased plant debris, avoid excessive vigour, prevent water from sitting on plants and apply bentonite clay regularly.
Colheita
They can be stored at 7°C with 85% relative humidity for two to three weeks.
