Analysis of the Causes of Watermelon Flesh Breakdown and a Detailed Explanation of Prevention and Control Methods
Watermelon flesh breakdown, also known as water-release melon, and in summer also called high-temperature fermented melon, is a phenomenon in which only the flesh texture becomes soft and the flesh color darkens. In severe cases, the flesh has a rancid taste and loses its commercial value, causing huge economic losses to farmers. So what are the causes of watermelon flesh breakdown? How should it be prevented and controlled? Let's take a look together.
I. Causes of Watermelon Flesh Breakdown
1. Variety. The phenomenon of watermelon flesh breakdown has some relationship with variety. Generally, varieties with loose flesh texture are prone to flesh breakdown, whereas varieties with firmer flesh texture have a lower probability of developing flesh breakdown.
2. Continuous cropping. During the growth of watermelon, its root system secretes a substance called salicylic acid, which is a harmful substance. If continuous cropping is carried out for many years, it will lead to an extremely high content of salicylic acid in the soil, thereby acidifying the soil. When watermelon is affected by this substance during later growth, changes are triggered, and the probability of flesh breakdown is greater.
3. High temperature. High temperature is also one of the most common causes of watermelon flesh breakdown. When watermelon grows for a long time at a high temperature above 35 degrees, its leaf photosynthesis is inhibited, thereby damaging the normal function of the leaves and affecting the normal growth of the plant.
4. Lack of water or waterlogging. During the watermelon expansion period, if there is drought and lack of water, or excessive watering leading to normal waterlogging, both will affect the absorption capacity of the root system. Drastic changes in soil dryness and wetness affect nutrient synthesis, causing nutrients and water to flow backward and resulting in flesh breakdown.
5. Diseases. Diseases can also cause watermelon flesh breakdown. For example, when viral disease and anthracnose break out severely, or green mottle virus disease, they can also cause watermelon flesh to soften, produce an off-flavor, and develop flesh breakdown.
6. Too late harvesting. If watermelon is not harvested in time after ripening, it is easy for the watermelon to become overripe and develop flesh breakdown.
II. Prevention and Control Methods
1. Variety selection. For summer and autumn watermelon crops, choose varieties with strong disease resistance, tolerance to high temperature, vigorous growth, and resistance to premature aging.
2. Temperature and humidity management. During high summer temperatures, the fruit should be covered with leaves to avoid direct sunlight exposure. If there are not enough leaves, weeds or waste paper can be used for covering to reduce the adverse effects of weather and disease on the roots. If grown in a greenhouse, promptly open the front and rear films and side films to increase ventilation and achieve cooling and humidity reduction. An external shading film can also be installed outside the greenhouse.
3. Pruning. Prune appropriately, and when necessary leave 1-2 side branches to ensure the plant has a certain number of functional leaves, maintain relatively high photosynthetic efficiency, and promote normal fruit development. Do not prune under drought conditions.
4. Fertilizer and water management and disease control. After watermelon sets fruit, its water requirement increases greatly. Oh, moderate topdressing and increased watering are needed, and trace element foliar fertilizer should be sprayed to promote vigorous plant growth, improve stress resistance, and prevent premature aging.
The above is an introduction to the causes of watermelon flesh breakdown and prevention and control methods. We hope it can help you. If you want to learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.