What causes leaf curl in pepino melon? Detailed explanation of prevention and control measures

Leaf curl is a relatively common phenomenon in pepino melon production, especially after the plant enters the fruiting stage, when leaf curl becomes particularly severe. Generally, when it occurs, only the leaf edges curl upward; in severe cases, the leaves curl into a tube shape. Leaf curl not only affects the pepino melon's ability to carry out photosynthesis normally, but also, because the fruit has no leaf cover, sunscald is very likely to occur, seriously affecting fruit quality and commercial value. So what causes leaf curl in pepino melon? How should it be handled? Let's take a look together.

I. Causes of leaf curl in pepino melon

1. When the soil lacks water and is dry, and the water supply is insufficient, the leaves consume more water through transpiration and cannot replenish it, so leaf curl occurs.

2. In summer, strong sunlight often causes the leaf temperature to rise relatively high, leading to faster water loss from the leaves, which can also cause leaf curl. Therefore, pepino melons cultivated in summer are more prone to leaf curl.

3. When the plant bears a large fruit load and fruit thinning is not carried out in time, the fruit-to-leaf ratio becomes unbalanced, a large amount of nutrients is used for fruit growth, and the leaves may also curl due to nutritional deficiency. In addition, leaf curl is also likely to occur when pinching is done too early or when too few leaves are left during pinching.

4. After using fruit-setting hormones, the fruit's growth vigor increases, and its competition with the leaves for nutrients also increases. At this time, if fertilizer and water are not supplemented in time to ensure the normal needs of the leaves, the leaves will inevitably age prematurely, resulting in leaf curl.

5. During pest and disease control, weeding, and fertilization, improper operation causing pesticide damage or fertilizer damage to the plant can all cause leaf curl in pepino melon.

II. Prevention and control measures

1. Generally, pepino melon varieties with small, thick leaves have stronger resistance to leaf curl, so this type of variety can be selected in production.

2. During high-temperature periods, temperature regulation should be strengthened to avoid leaf curl caused by excessively high temperatures. Try to keep the temperature from exceeding 30 degrees; once it exceeds 30 degrees, it will be unfavorable for the growth and development of pepino melon.

3. During cultivation, rational close planting should be carried out, and the rows should be closed before midsummer arrives, to avoid strong light shining on the ground, causing rapid soil water evaporation and insufficient water supply.

4. Plastic film mulching cultivation can be adopted. Plants cultivated this way have strong growth vigor, high fertilizer and water use efficiency, and are less prone to leaf curl.

5. When spraying foliar fertilizer and pesticides, be sure to pay attention to the concentration and timing. Prepare pesticides and fertilizers strictly according to the required concentration, and it is not advisable to spray fertilizer or pesticide at noon under strong sunlight.

  The above is an introduction to the causes of leaf curl in pepino melon and the prevention and control measures. We hope it can help you. To learn more related knowledge, please follow us.