Detailed Explanation of the Latest Management Key Points for Bitter Melon During High-Temperature Periods

Bitter melon, also known as cool melon, is a fairly common vegetable in daily life. The peak fruiting period of bitter melon falls right in the hot weather season, when temperatures are high, and even a slight management mistake can lead to a serious drop in yield. So how should bitter melon be managed during the high-temperature period? Let's take a look at the detailed introduction below.

1. Pruning and Leaf Removal

Bitter melon has strong branching ability and many side vines, and some of these side vines bear fruit, so in order to create a well-ventilated environment for bitter melon and reduce nutrient consumption by the plant. All side branches below 1 m should be completely removed, while for those above 1 m, 2-3 branch tips should be selected. After the mid-growth stage, pruning should not be carried out, but old leaves and yellow leaves at the base should be properly removed, as well as fruitless branch tips hanging down to the lower part; fruitless branches on the upper part can also be properly removed to increase air permeability.

2. Water Management

Bitter melon likes a moist environment, but it is prone to waterlogging, so attention should be paid to water accumulation in the field and it should be drained promptly. Watering should be carried out according to the dryness and wetness of the soil. Generally, under strong light, water evaporation is high, so watering should be done promptly to ensure the physiological needs of the plant and avoid drought-induced wilting that affects the plant's growth and development and flowering and fruiting.

3. Fertilization Management

In high-yield production, in order to improve soil structure, increase yield and quality, carbon-based fertilizer should be added during fertilization, or the traditional fertilization method can be used, applying fully decomposed farmyard manure. Fertilization should follow the principle of small amounts and frequent applications. During the peak growth period, sufficient fertilizer should be ensured, and attention should also be paid to promoting flowering; during the flowering period, nutrient agents or agents such as flowering essence, fruit-promoting essence, amino acids, and borax can be sprayed.

4. Pest and Disease Control

The high-temperature period is also a time of high incidence of pests and diseases. Common diseases include fusarium wilt, anthracnose, and powdery mildew, while the main pests are melon fruit fly, stem borer, and aphids. Pest and disease control should focus on prevention. Preventive agents should be sprayed before the disease occurs, and corresponding agents should be sprayed for control when the disease occurs. For controlling stem borers, agents such as fipronil can be sprayed to kill them; for aphids, imidacloprid and acetamiprid can be sprayed to kill them; for melon fruit fly, fipronil aqueous solution or Nongdile aqueous solution is sprayed during the larval stage, 2-3 times, with good results.

The above are the key management points for bitter melon during the high-temperature period. We hope this can help you. If you want to learn more related knowledge, please keep following us.