What are the management measures for cantaloupe after planting?
In the past two years, the cantaloupe planting area in Jiading District has gradually expanded, and the planted varieties have been continuously enriched. In 2007, a total of about 60 mu of cantaloupe was planted, with the main varieties being “Xuelihong”, “9818” and “Xianguo”. At present, the cantaloupe planting work has basically been completed. To ensure the normal growth of cantaloupe, the urgent task is to promptly carry out the various management tasks after planting. The main management measures are as follows:
1. Temperature and humidity management
When using multi-layer film mulching for insulation in spring, special attention should be paid to reducing humidity and preventing diseases. Try to create a high-light environment, and on sunny days, under insulated conditions, frequently remove the film for ventilation to reduce humidity; after fruit set, keep the greenhouse temperature at 28-30 degrees C during the day and not lower than 15 degrees C at night; when the vines grow to the fruit-setting node, appropriately lower the temperature to promote fruit set; during the fruit expansion period, increase the day-night temperature difference to improve quality. In early April, when the outside minimum temperature stabilizes above 15 degrees C, the small hoop house can be removed.
2. Fertilizer and water management
During the entire growth period, cantaloupe has relatively low water requirements, which should be determined according to soil moisture, terrain and the growth stage of the cantaloupe. One watering for vine extension and 1-2 waterings for fruit expansion can be applied, usually combined with fertilization.
Fertilization can be based on the growth condition of the plants. After the plants are established, spray plant nutrient solution to promote plant development. When the plants are weak in growth, use compound fertilizer leach solution to increase fertilizer for vine extension and thickening. During the fruit expansion period, apply 1-2 topdressings, which can be applied in holes 30 cm from the roots, using 10-15 kg of compound fertilizer per mu, or foliar spraying with monopotassium phosphate can also be carried out. In the fruit ripening period half a month before harvest, fertilization and watering must be stopped to prevent fruit cracking.
3. Proper pruning
The intensity of pruning should be determined according to fertilizer and water conditions and plant growth vigor. In principle, it should be done at the right time, in the right amount and reasonably. Pruning should be carried out on sunny days when the temperature is relatively high, and should be done frequently to reduce wounds and decrease disease occurrence.
For early-spring protected cultivation of cantaloupe, single-vine pruning is adopted, that is, the main vine is pinched late, lateral buds at the base of the main vine are removed, and the secondary vines are pinched early after leaving 1-2 leaves before the female flower. During the flowering and fruit-setting period, secondary vines that extend out without female buds should be removed early or pinched after leaving one leaf, so as to regulate nutrient distribution and promote fruit set.