What to Do About Herbicide Damage in Muskmelons? Detailed Remedial Methods

The muskmelon is a type of cantaloupe, named for its emerald-green rind marked with gray or yellow stripes that closely resemble a net; its taste is sweet like a fragrant pear, making it very popular. So what should be done about herbicide damage in muskmelons?

1. What to do about herbicide damage in muskmelons?

If the herbicide damage to muskmelons is mild, no timely treatment is needed, and they will recover on their own. Generally, just spray them with more water as soon as possible, and at the same time be careful to drain away any standing water. If the herbicide damage is relatively severe, more watering is needed, and the soil must also be tilled. In addition, some phosphorus and potassium fertilizer should be applied as a top dressing to help the root system grow and develop and recover as quickly as possible.

2. What is the difference between muskmelons and cantaloupes?

1. Differences in appearance

The muskmelon fruit is round and spherical, with a fresh green stem at the top of the fruit; the rind is emerald green and marked with gray or yellow stripes, just like a net, which is how the muskmelon got its name. The cantaloupe fruit, on the other hand, is spherical or long oval, with a smooth rind that has longitudinal grooves or mottling. So from their outward appearance, as long as you look carefully, you can still tell them apart quite well.

2. Differences in flesh color and taste

When you cut a muskmelon open, you will find that its flesh is orange-red or yellow-green; it tastes fairly crisp and sweet, similar in flavor to a fragrant pear, and is delicious. The flesh of the cantaloupe, by contrast, is yellow, white or green; compared with the muskmelon, its flesh color is paler, and its flavor is sweet and fragrant.

3. Differences in nutritional value

The muskmelon contains nutrients such as protein, dietary fiber, carotene, pectin, sugars, and various vitamins and trace elements. Its vitamin content is 4-5 times that of watermelon and 6-7 times that of apple; it promotes the human body's blood-forming function and is very suitable for people with anemia. In addition, it helps promote saliva and quench thirst, relieves restlessness and heat, guards against heatstroke, and calms the spirit; eating it regularly benefits the human liver and gastrointestinal system. The cantaloupe is rich in sugars and cellulose and has an abundant iron content, 2-3 times that of chicken; the people of Xinjiang consider it to have the effect of curing illness and prolonging life.