In the village of Chernorechye, Orenburg region, greenhouse operations have commenced the year’s initial harvest of ‘Tanto’ cucumbers. Occupying one hectare, these greenhouses are dedicated to this popular Russian hybrid, known for its palatable 15-20 cm fruits. Sowing occurs in January, leading to the first harvest by late February. Annually, two planting cycles are conducted, yielding approximately 300 tons of cucumbers.
Sergey Dogadov, director of ‘Flowers of Orenburg,’ emphasizes their focus on product quality over sheer yield. The cucumbers are highly sought after in Orenburg, with wholesalers promptly distributing the produce locally. However, the popularity has led to market misrepresentations, where imported vegetables are falsely sold under the ‘Chernorechye cucumbers’ label.
Maintaining optimal greenhouse conditions is crucial for crop health. Temperature settings are adjusted throughout the growth stages to support plant development. To combat pests without resorting to chemicals, the facility employs biological control methods. Every two weeks, beneficial insects, known as entomophages, are released into the greenhouses to naturally manage pest populations.
According to the Orenburg Ministry of Agriculture, the region encompasses over 35 hectares of winter greenhouses, producing 5,600 tons of vegetables last year. Notable greenhouse enterprises include ‘Kushkul Greenhouses’ in Orenburg, ‘Flowers of Orenburg,’ ‘Usadba,’ and ‘Ovoschevod’ in the Orenburg district.
The successful early harvest of ‘Tanto’ cucumbers in Chernorechye underscores the efficacy of greenhouse cultivation in the Orenburg region. By prioritizing quality, implementing sustainable pest control, and maintaining precise environmental conditions, local producers continue to meet the community’s demand for fresh vegetables.
