Celery growers have recently reported that the hollowing issue in last year's crop was more severe, affecting both the quality and flavor of the produce. This year, they planted celery quickly, but many are concerned about how to prevent the hollowing problem from recurring. Understanding the causes and taking proactive measures is essential for a successful harvest.
Hollowing in celery typically starts at the base of the petiole and develops into a white, cork-like tissue inside the stalk. Several factors can contribute to this condition, including water or nutrient deficiency, inconsistent watering or fertilization, excessive fertilizer use, dry conditions, low temperatures, late harvesting, and overuse of gibberellin. These stressors can disrupt the plant’s normal development and lead to internal hollow spaces.
To prevent celery hollowing, farmers should implement the following strategies:
1. **Choose the right planting location**: The soil should be neutral or slightly acidic. Avoid clay or sandy soils, as they can affect water retention and root development.
2. **Select high-quality varieties**: Varieties like American celery, Tianjin Solid Celery, Bailey, and Ventura are known for their resistance to hollowing and better growth performance.
3. **Maintain optimal growing conditions**: Celery thrives in cool, moist environments. Ideal daytime temperatures range from 15°C to 23°C, with nighttime temperatures between 13°C and 18°C. The soil temperature should remain around 13°C to 18°C for healthy root development.
4. **Implement proper water and fertilizer management**: Apply sufficient base fertilizer, such as 5,000 kg of high-quality organic manure per mu, along with 100–200 kg of fermented chicken manure or 15 kg of diammonium phosphate. Additionally, 10 kg of ammonium sulfate or fermented human waste can be applied with water. During the growing season, apply top-dressing fertilizer every 15 days, using 20 kg per mu of quick-acting nitrogen and potash. Water regularly, keeping the soil moisture between 60% and 80%, and ensure good drainage to avoid waterlogging.
5. **Monitor and address nutrient deficiencies**: If boron deficiency is observed, spray a 0.1% boron solution at 40 kg per mu, repeating the application 1–3 times every 5–7 days. Spraying should be done in the afternoon when leaves are wet. If yellowing occurs, apply a 0.1% urea solution or chlorophyll-based foliar fertilizer. Gibberellin can also be used to enhance growth, especially when plants have adequate water and nutrients. Apply it 30 and 20 days before harvest at a concentration of 20 mg/kg, optionally adding 2% urea and potassium dihydrogen phosphate to the solution.
6. **Control pests and diseases**: Regular monitoring helps prevent disease outbreaks and ensures healthy plant growth. Harvest celery at the right time—between 80 to 90 days after planting—to maintain quality and reduce the risk of hollowing.
By following these practices, farmers can significantly reduce the occurrence of hollowing and ensure a better yield and higher-quality celery.
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