Melon Cultivation Temperature Management Methods and Technical Points
Melon, also known as muskmelon or honeydew melon, has a sweet taste and high water content, making it very popular. Temperature management is very important for melon cultivation. So, what temperature management is needed for melon cultivation? Let's find out together!
1. Planting period
Temperature management during the planting period of melon is very important, as it directly relates to the growth of melon seedlings and the flowering and fruiting rate in the later stage. When planting, ensure that the soil temperature at a depth of about 10-12 cm is above 15 degrees, and adjust the temperature reasonably according to different varieties. For example, thin-skinned muskmelon has relatively strong tolerance to low temperatures, while thick-skinned muskmelon is weaker. Within three days of planting, do not ventilate; improve the soil's heat and moisture retention capacity, and you may manage with appropriately high temperatures. On the premise of sufficient water, the soil temperature can be raised to about 38 degrees.
2. Seedling recovery period
When the temperature in the planting greenhouse gradually rises and the seedlings grow one new leaf, control the temperature at around 31-32 degrees. If the variety being grown is thick-skinned, appropriately raise the temperature to around 33-35 degrees, and maintain the nighttime temperature at around 13 degrees. During the seedling recovery period, temperature is mainly managed through watering to promote root penetration downward and balance underground and aboveground growth. When the morning temperature is above 30 degrees, ventilate appropriately to keep the temperature within the suitable range. When it drops to around 24 degrees in the afternoon, stop ventilating, maintain the greenhouse temperature, and raise the soil temperature.
3. Vine elongation period
The vine elongation period is an important growth stage for melon. During this period, the stems and leaves of the melon accelerate their growth rate, and the temperature requirements are also relatively strict. During this period, control the temperature at around 26-28 degrees. If it is thick-skinned melon, appropriately raise the temperature to around 30 degrees. The temperature should not be too high; if it exceeds the suitable range, it can easily cause excessive vegetative growth in melon, affect female flower differentiation, and reduce the fruit-setting rate.
4. Flowering and fruiting period
The flowering and fruiting period is the key time for melon flowering and fruiting. At this time, the temperature should be appropriately lowered, and it should not exceed the range of 15-30 degrees. If it exceeds this temperature range, it will seriously affect melon pollination and reduce the flowering and fruiting rate. The optimal temperature should be controlled at around 26-27 degrees. Avoid excessive temperature fluctuations; keep the temperature stable to prevent muskmelon from failing to adapt and to prevent a reduction in the fruit-setting rate.
5. Expansion period
About one week after the melon plant successfully pollinates and sets fruit, it enters the expansion period. At this time, muskmelon changes from vegetative growth to reproductive growth, so the temperature should be appropriately raised to promote the expansion of muskmelon fruit. Raise the temperature to around 32 degrees; for thick-skinned melon, raise it by another 2 degrees or so. The nighttime temperature should also be controlled at around 17-18 degrees. When the minimum temperature is above 15 degrees, do a good job of ventilation to lower the temperature and humidity and prevent pests and diseases.
The above is the temperature management for melon. I hope it can help all growers!