How to make melons sweeter? These growing techniques are essential
Since melons are called sweet melons, they are certainly sweet in taste, but many farmers report that the melons they grow have low sweetness, and some even taste a bit bitter. The sweetness of melons is closely related to their sugar content; the sugar content determines the sweetness of the melon, and in some cases, for certain reasons, the sugar content is low, so they are not sweet. So how can the sweetness of melons be increased? Let's take a look together.
1. Reasonable fertilization
Reasonable fertilization can improve the quality of melons and increase their sugar content. Before planting, sufficient base fertilizer should be applied; per mu, 2000-3000 kg of decomposed farmyard manure can be applied, together with 150-200 kg of potassium sulfate compound fertilizer. When the melons grow to the size of an egg, topdressing should be carried out in time, and at this point a fruit-swelling fertilizer can be applied along with watering. Melons are potassium-loving plants and have a relatively high demand for potassium in the later stage; increasing potassium fertilizer can improve the variety and yield of melons. In addition, when the plant shows nutrient deficiency symptoms, its growth nodes are hindered, and both yield and quality decline, so spraying micronutrient fertilizers is needed to solve this. After fruit set, a low-concentration mixed solution of calcium chloride and boric acid can be sprayed on the leaves, once a week for 2-3 consecutive times, to supplement the nutrients the plant needs, and in the later stage, potassium dihydrogen phosphate foliar fertilizer can be sprayed to significantly increase yield and improve quality.
2. Increase the day-night temperature difference
When the fruit is ripening, it needs sufficient light and a relatively large day-night temperature difference, which is beneficial for the accumulation of sugar in the fruit. During the fruiting period, reduce ventilation during the day to raise the room temperature; at 35 degrees, the sugar synthesis of the fruit is 1 times higher than at 10 degrees, while at night ventilation should be strengthened to lower the room temperature, thus artificially creating an environment with a day-night temperature difference. If the nighttime temperature is too high, the leaves respire heavily and consume more carbohydrates, which will reduce sugar content and cause the melons to be not sweet.
3. Control moisture
During the normal growth period of melons, after the fruit enters the ripening stage, moisture and nitrogen should be properly controlled, because if excessive nitrogen is absorbed when the fruit is ripening, unstable intermediate products such as nitrates will accumulate in the plant, causing excessive vegetative growth and making it prone to disease. The same applies to moisture: when sugar is accumulating, watering too much will cause the fruit to expand rapidly, diluting the sugar and making the melons not sweet.
4. Harvest at proper ripeness
The quality of melons is closely related to the ripeness of the fruit. If picked when the fruit is not fully ripe, the sugar in the fruit has not yet fully converted, resulting in too low sweetness and insufficient aroma. If harvested too late, the storage substances in the fruit are exhausted, it becomes overripe, and the cell tissues soften, resulting in a lacking taste.
The above is an introduction to how to make melons sweeter. I hope it can help you. If you want to learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.