How to Prune and Train Watermelons for High Yield
Here we provide a detailed introduction for netizens on how to prune and train watermelons for high yield, as well as topics related to the cultivation techniques and management of watermelons, let's learn about them together.
“A single bite removes the reek of烟火, and the moment it enters the teeth it sounds like ice and snow.” This is a lines from the famous poet Wen Tianxiang about watermelons. Watermelon is a common fruit in our lives. It can quench thirst and has diuretic effects, making it especially popular in summer, earning the reputation of the "King of Midsummer." Watermelons are not only sweet and juicy but also contain many beneficial ingredients for the human body. Watermelon is also a fruit with high economic value. Let's take a look at how to cultivate it and some management issues together below.
Ⅰ. Watermelon Cultivation Techniques
1. Seed Disinfection
Seeds should be disinfected before sowing. Generally, seeds are soaked in a 50% carbendazim solution diluted 500 times for one hour. If you want to save time, you can use a 2% to 4% bleaching powder solution for disinfection, which can be shortened to half an hour. Be sure to pay attention to the concentration ratio of the disinfectant solution.
2. Seed Soaking
Soaking seeds can effectively shorten the germination time. Since the surface layer of watermelon seeds is relatively thick and has poor water permeability, the seeds should be soaked for 8 hours.
3. Germination
The temperature for germination should be between 29℃ to 30℃. Common germination methods include constant temperature box germination, fire炕 germination, and body germination. Considering the characteristics of watermelon seeds and convenience, it is recommended to use fire炕 germination. The specific operation is to wrap the seeds in a wet cloth, roll the wet cloth well, and place it in a plastic bag, then put it under the bedding of the fire炕 for germination. Adjust the position of the seeds in real-time based on the temperature. You can also germinate the seeds by placing them in a pot or next to the pot based on the principle of fire炕 germination.
4. Seedling Raising
Watermelon seeding can be divided into direct seeding and seedling transplantation. Seedling transplantation can promote healthier seedling growth. During seedling transplantation, the help of a nutrient pot should be used to minimize root damage to the plant. The soil should be selected with moderate粘度, and fertilizers can use matured cake fertilizer or farm manure. The soil and fertilizer ratio should be 7:3, and an appropriate amount of phosphorus and potassium fertilizers and fungicides should be added.
5. Timely Sowing
Sowing can be done when the soil temperature of the planting site is maintained above 15℃, but the sowing time can also be chosen based on the situation and planting method.
6. Precautions during Sowing
(1) The sowing depth should be appropriate. The depth of seed burial is determined by the size of the seed, with larger seeds buried deeper and smaller seeds buried shallowly, with a soil cover thickness of about 1.5cm being ideal.
(2) Watermelon seeds are flat and melon-shaped, so they should be placed flat during sowing to reduce the emergence of cap hats and promote seed growth.
(3) Do not sow at too low temperatures, and if possible, wait until the seedbed temperature is stable at around 25℃ before proceeding with the operation.
(4) Keep the bottom moisture of the bed soil at a higher place, water it first, then sow in each nutrient pot, cover it with a layer of fine soil, and then cover it with a layer of plastic film to help the seeds germinate.
7. Seedbed Management
The temperature of the seedbed should be maintained at about 30℃, and the temperature can be slightly increased after the seedlings have grown heart leaves. Insulate the seedbed in the early stage by covering it with insulating materials at night, and also manually insulate the seedlings when cold air masses arrive.
8. Planting Density
The planting density should be determined by the variety, generally with a standard of 400-700 seedlings per 667㎡.
Ⅱ. Management Methods
1. Site Selection and Fertilization
Soil with deep soil layers, loose and breathable texture, and good drainage performance is more suitable for cultivating watermelons, preferably sandy soil. Organic fertilizers and cake fertilizers can be added as base fertilizers, and a small amount of inorganic fertilizers can also be added. The elements of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in the fertilizer cannot be missing.
2. Timely Planting
Seedlings can be transplanted after they have grown 2 to 3 true leaves, and the transplanting time varies for different maturity varieties. If it's a wide ridge, plant two rows, and if it's a narrow ridge, plant one row. Cover the film at the same time during transplantation.
3. Pruning and Pressing Vines
Three-vine pruning is the most commonly used method. When the main vine has grown 8 to 9 leaves, in addition to the main vine, two lateral vines with good growth should be selected. When the vines grow to 50cm, press the vines with soil, combining pruning with vine pressing, and repeat the operation every 3 to 4 internodes, pressing each vine 2 to 3 times.
4. Setting and Turning Melons
Leave the second and third female flowers on the main vine or the first and second female flowers on the lateral vines for fruit setting. When pollination is hindered by low temperature and rainy weather, manual pollination should be assisted. After the fruit has grown to a certain size, it should be turned over in time, noting to turn in one direction, and each turning should move one-third of the watermelon.
5. Water and Fertilizer Management
When the plant has grown to the size of an egg, it is about to enter the expansion period, and it is necessary to apply expansion fertilizers to the watermelon based on its growth. Generally, 15-20 kg of sulfate potassium-controlled release fertilizers are applied per mu. Watering should be done in the early morning or evening when the temperature is lower, and after rain, the water in the melon field should be drained in time.
6. Timely Harvesting
Harvesting is best done in the morning when the temperature conditions are more suitable. If the distance for marketing and transportation is far and takes a long time, the watermelons can be harvested when they are 80% mature. If it is sold nearby, it can be harvested when it is 90% mature.
7. Disease and Pest Control
Mainly prevent and control diseases such as wilt, anthracnose, viral diseases, and pests such as red spiders, yellow beetles, and melon maggot from harming the watermelons. Timely remove the affected branches, vines, and seedlings, and use corresponding medications for treatment.
The above is [] about how to prune and train watermelons for high yield, watermelon cultivation techniques, and management knowledge. I hope this article can provide you with some help!