Greenhouse Watermelon 8424 Cultivation Techniques
With the rapid development of facility agriculture, greenhouse watermelon cultivation has become an important model in modern agriculture. Among them, the 8424 watermelon is favored by growers for its excellent quality and stable yield. This article will systematically elaborate on its cultivation essentials and methods for yield improvement.
Analysis of High-Quality Watermelon Variety Characteristics
Traceability of the 8424 Watermelon Variety
This variety was successfully cultivated by agricultural experts in Shanghai on February 4, 1984, and named after its outstanding performance in the 24th test group. The fruit shape is round and moderate, with a single fruit weight of 8-14 jin and a sugar content stable between 12-14 degrees, with a maturation period of about 30 days.
Standardized Greenhouse Cultivation System
Facility Construction Standards
The site selection needs to meet three requirements: sandy loam soil with a depth of >50cm, a slightly acidic environment with a pH of 6.0-7.0, and a crop rotation cycle of over 3 years. It is recommended to use a symmetrical steel frame structure, with a greenhouse spacing of 1.5 meters for ventilation, and equipped with a drip irrigation system and double-layer insulating film.
Temperature and Light Control Technology
In the early stage of planting, maintain a daytime temperature of 30-35°C/night temperature of 18°C, and adjust to a daytime temperature of 28-32°C/night temperature of 15°C during the fruit-setting period. A phased lighting supplement strategy is adopted, maintaining a light intensity of 20000-25000Lux during the seedling stage and increasing to 30000Lux during the fruit expansion stage.
Accurate Water and Fertilizer Management
Apply a compound fertilizer (15-15-15) of 20kg per mu during the vine stretching stage, and switch to a high-potassium formula (12-8-30) of 30kg per mu during the fruit expansion stage. Use film mulch drip irrigation technology to maintain soil moisture content at 60-70%, and reduce water supply 10 days before harvest.
Analysis of Yield Composition Elements
Control of Planting Density
In the double-vine pruning mode, the spacing between plants is 0.6-0.8 meters, row spacing is 2-2.5 meters, and 600-800 seedlings are maintained per mu. For the three-vine pruning mode, the spacing needs to be expanded to 0.8-1 meter, with a fruit-thinning technique to retain 1.5-2 fruits per plant.
Greenhouse Watermelon 8424 Cultivation Techniques
Comprehensive Control of Diseases and Pests
Focus on preventing and controlling wilt disease (grafted seedlings), T-J disease (50% carbendazim 800 times), and aphids (10% imidacloprid 2000 times). Use yellow sticky traps and biological pesticides for协同防控, with a chemical control interval of >7 days.
Economic Benefit Calculation Model
Through standardized management, early spring greenhouse cultivation can achieve a yield of 6000-8000 jin per mu, and autumn extension cultivation can reach 4000-6000 jin. When the rate of premium fruit is increased to 70%, the output value can be increased by 35% compared to conventional planting.
From variety selection to harvest management, the cultivation of 8424 watermelon needs to grasp three core elements: environmental control, nutrient supply, and biological pest control. Using facility cultivation techniques and precise agricultural operations can stably achieve the goal of high-quality and high yield.