Key Technical Points for Sowing and Seedling Emergence Management of Summer-Autumn Watermelon

The main factors affecting seedling emergence in summer-autumn watermelon cultivation are high temperature and low humidity. To prevent dehydration or scorching of seedlings from high temperatures when they emerge, plastic film mulching must also be carried out at sowing. Silver-gray or black plastic film can be chosen; when white plastic film is used, grass covering or soil covering must be applied to shade and cool the soil. After emergence, seedlings should be promptly freed from the film, thinned, and replanted where missing, and weeds around the seedlings should also be cleared. If drought persists for a long time, a furrow should be opened 15 cm to one side of the plant for watering, and a small amount of quick-acting chemical fertilizer should be applied together with the watering. When scattered aphid damage is found, pesticide should also be sprayed immediately for control.