Data about Watermelons
In the scorching summer, indulging in a chilled watermelon is a refreshing memory for countless people. What kind of unknown growth secrets does this bumpy-skinned green fruit hide? This article provides a comprehensive understanding of the full lifecycle of watermelons from the field to the dining table through systematic diagrams and professional analysis.
Three Essential Elements of Watermelon Growing Environment
Temperature and Light Requirements
As a typical thermophilic crop, the optimal temperature range for watermelon growth is 24-30°C. Seedlings require a daily average temperature of 18°C or higher, and a day-night temperature difference of 8-10°C during the fruit-setting period is best for sugar accumulation. It is recommended to maintain 10-12 hours of sunlight daily, as sufficient sunlight can increase the flesh sweetness by 3-5 degrees.
Soil Selection Standards
Ideal sandy loam soil should have a plowing layer of more than 30cm, with a porosity of 45% to ensure breathability. A pH range of 5.5-6.8 is best for root development. Adding 3 tons of decomposed organic fertilizer per mu during land preparation can significantly increase the fruit-setting rate. It is recommended to maintain a drainage ditch depth of 40cm to prevent waterlogging.
Four Key Technologies for Watermelon Planting
Accurate Irrigation Plan
Use drip irrigation during the vine elongation stage, controlling the daily water supply per mu to 8-10m³. Switch to furrow irrigation after fruit setting, maintaining soil moisture at 65%-70%. Stop watering completely 15 days before maturity, which can increase the sugar content by 2-3 percentage points.
Scientific Fertilization System
Base fertilizer should be mainly composed of NPK compound fertilizer (15-15-15), with a dosage of 50kg per mu. Top dressing is done in three stages: apply 10kg of urea during the vine elongation stage, add 15kg of potassium sulfate during the young fruit stage, and spray 0.3% potassium dihydrogen phosphate solution during the expansion stage.
Disease and Pest Control
Data about watermelons
(T-J) disease prevention involves spraying 50% carbendazim 800 times liquid, and controlling melon striped caterpillars with 5% emamectin benzoate EC 2000 times liquid. Physical control can be achieved by hanging yellow sticky traps, with a density of 30 pieces per mu.
Five Steps to Identify Watermelon Quality
Look at the patterns: mature melons have clearly expanded pattern spacing; listen to the sound: tapping should produce a hollow sound; observe the navel: a diameter less than 2cm is ideal; feel the skin: the wax layer should be intact; estimate the weight: the weight difference of melons of the same volume should not exceed 10%.