What are the growth characteristics of watermelon under plastic film mulching?

Watermelon under plastic film mulching has a well-developed root system and a strong ability to absorb nutrients, grows fast, and develops early, so it is prone to premature nutrient depletion and early senescence, and attention should be paid to the application of topdressing. Since the plastic film has a good moisture-conserving effect and the seedlings need little water, the number of irrigations and the amount of water applied can be appropriately reduced in the early stage.
For watermelon under plastic film mulching, the ripening period is earlier. After the first crop of fruit is harvested, the climatic conditions are still relatively suitable for the growth and development of watermelon, so a second crop of fruit can be retained. The specific method for retaining a second crop of fruit is: when the first crop of fruit has basically reached its final size (about 7 to 10 days before harvest), select and retain 1 female flower on a lateral vine of the watermelon plant that has not yet set fruit, and let it set fruit.