Detailed Explanation of Key Points for Water Management in Summer-Autumn Watermelon

During summer and autumn, high temperatures and drought are common, and plants have a large transpiration rate. Especially during the fruit-setting stage and fruit enlargement stage, they are very sensitive to water. Water shortage will cause ovary drop, small melons, low yield, and poor quality. When drought and water shortage occur, the young leaves at the tips of the vines become smaller, the leaf color turns gray, and the leaves wilt at noon. Water shortage in the early stage also easily induces viral disease and causes loss of fruit-setting ability. When temperatures are relatively high in the early stage, watering should be done in the morning and evening. The watering amount should be about 5 cm from the ridge surface, and excess water should be drained immediately to keep the bed surface dry. Flood irrigation should not be used. After entering the fruit enlargement stage, the temperature gradually becomes lower, and watering should be done around noon, with small amounts and frequent watering.