What causes premature senescence in watermelon? A detailed explanation of the latest control measures
In the middle and late stages of watermelon growth, premature senescence is very likely to occur if management is improper. Premature senescence is extremely harmful to watermelon, causing a large number of fruits to fail to ripen normally and seriously affecting yield and quality. So what should be done about watermelon premature senescence? Let's find out together.
1. Symptoms of premature senescence
Watermelon premature senescence mainly occurs in the middle and late stages of growth, and is most obvious from fruit set to the young fruit stage. The vine growth of the plant must stagnate, the young fruit expands slowly or stops expanding, the leaves are relatively thin and yellowish, and the vines wilt after strong sunlight at noon. Generally, after premature senescence occurs in watermelon, not only is its yield extremely low, but the quality of the fruit is also extremely poor and its commercial value is extremely low. Many fruits often cannot be sold, so preventing premature senescence is an important measure for achieving high yield and high quality in watermelon.
2. Causes of premature senescence
There are many causes of watermelon premature senescence. First, insufficient base fertilizer, untimely topdressing, or improper fertilization methods. These conditions can all lead to a lack of nutrients in watermelon, making it unable to supply the nutrients needed for plant growth and fruit development, resulting in nutrient depletion and premature senescence. Second, pests and diseases. Watermelon is affected by many pests and diseases during cultivation, which harm its growth and, in severe cases, lead to premature senescence of the plant. Third, the effects of drought or soil waterlogging, which cause the plant to lose water or suffer root drowning, both of which can cause premature senescence. Fourth, excessive pruning. Fifth, soil compaction and poor permeability, poor root development, or the roots being unable to normally absorb water and nutrients, which over time leads to premature senescence.
3. Control methods
To prevent premature senescence, first of all, fertilizer and water management should be done well. Before planting, base fertilizer should be applied according to the soil fertility conditions, and topdressing should be done in a timely manner at each growth stage to provide sufficient nutrients for plant growth. In drought, irrigation should be done in a timely manner, and in the rainy season, drainage should be done in a timely manner to avoid root drowning. Strengthen vine management, balance the vegetative growth and reproductive growth of watermelon, and ensure the nutrient demand for young fruit expansion. Pest and disease control in watermelon should be done well, with prevention taking priority over treatment.
The above is an introduction to the causes of watermelon premature senescence and control measures. We hope it can help you. If you want to learn more related knowledge, please follow us.