Key points for managing melon seedlings: do these well and the seedlings will be strong and vigorous
Melon has always been a fruit that people love, and in recent years its planting area has gradually expanded. To obtain a high yield, the first thing to do is manage the melon seedling stage well. So how should melon seedlings be managed? Let's find out together.
1. Temperature management
When melon seeds are sown and the seedlings emerge, the temperature requirements are relatively high, and keeping the seedbed temperature between 25-30 degrees is necessary to ensure the seeds emerge smoothly. From emergence until the cotyledons unfold, prevent prolonged low temperature and high humidity, which can cause leggy seedlings and damping-off disease, so take cold-protection measures at night. After the first true leaf appears, do a good job of hardening the seedlings with light to prevent excessive spindly growth; keep the temperature between 26-32 degrees during the day and between 12-16 degrees at night, and increase ventilation if the temperature is too high.
2. Water and fertilizer management
Before melon seedlings emerge, there is no need to water. After emergence, as the temperature gradually rises, the seedlings evaporate a large amount of water during growth, so at this time replenish water promptly to prevent the seedlings from wilting due to lack of water. When watering, it is suitable to do so in the morning on a sunny day, and control the water temperature at 20-25 degrees to avoid the water temperature being too low, which can lower the temperature and affect the normal growth and development of the root system. When seedlings are found to be short of fertilizer, you can spray 1-2 times with a low-concentration potassium dihydrogen phosphate solution combined with watering, which can quickly supplement the nutrients the seedlings need. One week before transplanting, stop watering to prevent the soil from becoming loose.
3. Light management
In the early stage of seedling growth, when the temperature is suitable, uncover the cold-protection materials early and cover them late; in the middle stage of seedling growth, pay attention to ventilation. If the seedlings are found to be wilting during ventilation, close the ventilation openings promptly, and after the seedlings return to normal, slowly open the ventilation openings again. If there is hot weather with strong light, at noon you can cover with a shade net or spray water to cool down, so as to prevent the seedlings from being burned by high temperatures, which can cause excessive spindly growth.
4. Pest and disease control
The main diseases of melon seedlings include rhizoctonia rot, fusarium wilt, downy mildew, powdery mildew, phytophthora blight, etc. They are mostly caused by high temperature and high humidity environments, so pay attention to field ventilation, and drain and reduce humidity promptly after rain to avoid inducing diseases. The main insect pests are aphids and red spider mites, which can be controlled with abamectin. When controlling pests and diseases, pay attention to the concentration of the chemicals, and the spraying time is best around 4 p.m., and both sides of the leaves should be sprayed.
The above is an introduction to the key points for managing melon seedlings. We hope it can help you. If you want to learn more related knowledge, please follow us.