Latest Field Management Techniques for Horned Melon
Horned melon is a type of melon variety that has emerged in recent years. The sugar content of horned melon is very high, with firm flesh that is sweet and delicious. Currently, the market demand for horned melon in China is very high, and the planting area is becoming more and more widespread. When planting horned melon, field management is very important. Therefore, today the editor has brought you the key field management points for horned melon. Let's take a look!
1. Temperature Control
After horned melon is planted, because the soil temperature is relatively low, attention should be paid to maintaining the airtightness of the greenhouse. The main purpose is to raise the soil temperature as early as possible and promote the recovery of horned melon seedlings. After the horned melon seedlings have recovered, ventilation should be carried out according to the weather and other conditions, keeping the temperature at around 25 degrees, and the nighttime temperature should not be lower than 12 degrees. After the sun comes out, the plastic film can be appropriately uncovered, and the temperature should not be too high. When the temperature rises to around 30 degrees, ventilation should be carried out, and ventilation should be stopped after the temperature is lowered to around 27 degrees. Finally, during long periods of cloudy weather or when cold waves arrive, as long as the temperature does not exceed 37 degrees, do not ventilate, to prevent draughts from entering.
2. Fertilizer and Water Management
After planting, water appropriately once according to the soil moisture content, and afterward do not water unless the soil is dry. When the young melons grow to about 12 cm, water lightly once on a sunny day, which can be done together with topdressing. Afterward, based on actual conditions, water about once a week, control the amount of watering well, and gradually reduce the watering frequency to prevent soil water shortage. After horned melon enters the full melon stage, appropriately apply compound fertilizer, water once a week, and then stop water and fertilizer work about one week before harvest. Be sure to control the amount well to prevent waterlogging and fertilizer damage, which would instead affect the growth of horned melon and lead to the opposite of what is desired.
3. Plant Adjustment
Horned melon is a vining plant, so adjusting the plant is also a very critical management task when planting. Generally, single-vine pruning is the main method. When horned melon grows to about 30 cm, begin hanging the vines. When it grows to 22 leaves, carry out pinching, and pay attention to selecting good fruit-bearing vines. After fruit set, also pay attention to pinching, keeping about 3 melons per plant. Then keep the secondary vines for the second crop of melons. After the second batch of melons is harvested, appropriately pull up the plants to reduce the number of plants in the field, prevent competition for nutrients, and concentrate nutrients on robust plants.
4. Pest and Disease Control
Pest and disease control work is also very important. Improper pest and disease control will reduce the number of flowers and fruits of horned melon. When planting, we should pay attention to observing the growth of horned melon. Timely remove old leaves, diseased leaves, and diseased fruits, take them out of the orchard for disposal, and prevent the spread of pests and diseases, which would increase the affected area. Then do a good job in field management, focusing on prevention. When any abnormal condition is found in the plants, promptly identify the specific cause, and then use the corresponding pesticides and methods for treatment.
The above is a brief introduction to the field management of horned melon. The planting and management methods of horned melon are actually similar to those of ordinary melons, but more care is needed to protect your own planting benefits. That is all for today's introduction. This article is for reference only, and I hope it can help everyone!