Latest Key Points for Melon Seedling Stage Management Explained, a Must-Read for Growers
Melon has always been a fruit loved by people. In recent years, its planting area has gradually expanded, and in order to achieve high yields, the first thing to do is proper melon seedling stage management. So how should melon seedlings be managed? Let's find out together.
1. Temperature management
When melon seeds are sown and the seedlings emerge, the temperature requirements are relatively high. The seedbed temperature must be maintained between 25-30 degrees to ensure the seeds sprout smoothly. From emergence until the cotyledons unfold, it is necessary to prevent continuous low temperature and high humidity from causing leggy seedlings and damping-off disease, so cold protection measures should be taken at night. After the first true leaf appears, do a good job of seedling hardening and light exposure to prevent excessive seedling growth. Keep the temperature between 26-32 degrees during the day and between 12-16 degrees at night. If the temperature is too high, ventilation can be increased.
2. Water and fertilizer management
Before melon seedlings emerge, there is no need to water. After emergence, as the temperature gradually rises, the seedlings evaporate a large amount of water during growth, so water should be replenished in time to prevent the seedlings from drying out due to lack of water. When watering, it is best to do so in the morning on a sunny day, and control the water temperature at 20-25 degrees to avoid the water temperature being too low, which would lower the soil temperature and affect normal root growth and development. When seedlings are found to be lacking fertilizer, 1-2 sprays of low-concentration potassium dihydrogen phosphate solution can be applied together with watering, which can quickly supplement the nutrients needed by the seedlings. One week before transplanting, watering should be stopped to prevent the soil from becoming loose.
3. Light management
In the early stage of seedling growth, when the temperature is suitable, cold protection covers should be removed early and put on late; in the middle stage of seedling growth, attention should be paid to ventilation. If seedlings are found to wilt during ventilation, the ventilation openings should be closed in time, and after the seedlings return to normal, the ventilation openings should be gradually opened. If there is hot weather with strong light, a shade net can be covered at noon or water can be sprayed to cool down, so as to prevent high temperatures from burning the seedlings and causing excessive growth.
4. Pest and disease control
The main diseases of melon seedlings include damping-off disease, fusarium wilt, downy mildew, powdery mildew, and phytophthora blight. Most of them are caused by high temperature and high humidity environments, so attention should be paid to field ventilation, and after rain, drainage should be carried out in time to reduce humidity, so as to prevent diseases from being triggered. The main insect pests are aphids and red spider mites, which can be controlled with abamectin. When controlling pests and diseases, pay attention to the concentration of the pesticide, and the best spraying time is around 4 p.m. Both sides of the leaves should be sprayed.
The above is an introduction to the key points of melon seedling stage management. We hope it can help you. To learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.