How to manage bitter melon during high-temperature periods? Keep these key points in mind

Bitter melon, also known as balsam pear, is a relatively common vegetable in daily life. The full fruiting period of bitter melon coincides with hot weather, when temperatures are relatively high, and even a slight management mistake can lead to severe yield reduction. So how should bitter melon be managed during high-temperature periods? Let's take a look at the detailed introduction below.

1. Pruning and leaf removal

Bitter melon has strong branching ability and many side vines, and some side vines bear fruit, so in order to create a well-ventilated and breathable environment for bitter melon and reduce nutrient consumption by the plant, all side branches below 1 m should be removed completely, while for those above 1 m, select 2-3 branch tips. After the mid-growth stage, pruning should not be carried out, but old leaves and yellow leaves at the base should be appropriately removed, as well as fruitless branch tips hanging down to the lower part. Fruitless branches on the upper part can also be appropriately removed to increase air permeability.

2. Water management

Bitter melon likes a moist environment but is prone to waterlogging, so attention should be paid to water accumulation in the field and it should be drained in time. Watering should be carried out according to the dry and wet conditions of the soil. Generally, under strong light, water evaporation is high, so water should be applied in time to ensure the physiological needs of the plant and avoid drought-induced wilting that affects the plant's growth and development and flowering and fruiting.

3. Fertilization management

During high-yield periods, in order to improve soil structure, increase yield and quality, carbon-based fertilizer should be added during fertilization. Traditional fertilization methods can also be used, washing with fully decomposed farmyard manure. Fertilization should follow the principle of small amounts and frequent applications. During the peak growth period, fertilizer supply must be sufficient, and attention should also be paid to promoting flowering. During the flowering period, nutrient agents or agents such as flowering essence, fruit-promoting agent, amino acids, and borax can be sprayed.

4. Pest and disease control

High-temperature periods are also periods of high incidence of pests and diseases. Common diseases include fusarium wilt, anthracnose, and powdery mildew, while insect pests are mainly melon fruit flies, stem borers, and aphids. Pest and disease control should focus on prevention. Preventive agents should be sprayed before the disease occurs, and corresponding agents should be sprayed for control when the disease occurs. For controlling stem borers, agents such as fipronil can be sprayed to kill them; for aphids, imidacloprid and acetamiprid can be sprayed to kill them; for melon fruit flies, fipronil aqueous solution or Nongdile aqueous solution should be sprayed during the larval stage, spraying 2-3 times for better effect.

The above is an introduction to the key points for managing bitter melon during high-temperature periods. We hope it can help you. If you want to learn more related knowledge, please keep following us.