Detailed Explanation of Key Points on Watermelon Pruning and Vine Pressing Techniques
Watermelon pruning and vine pressing is essential work in the watermelon growing process, and it is crucial to the growth and fruiting of watermelons. Many people do not know what effect pruning and vine pressing has, how exactly to do it, and what points need attention. Let's learn about it together below with the editor.
1. The role of pruning and vine pressing
Watermelons tend to branch easily. If allowed to grow freely, they will have many side branches, which will consume a large amount of nutrients and seriously affect the growth of the watermelon, causing poor fruit set, slower growth, small size, late market arrival, and poor quality. Therefore, measures such as pruning and vine pressing are used during cultivation to adjust this. Moreover, pruning and vine pressing can not only control excessive plant growth and make the distribution of leaves and vines reasonable, but also improve ventilation and light conditions in the space near the ground and reduce the occurrence of pests and diseases.
2. Pruning methods
Pruning is generally divided into four types: single vine, double vine, three vine, and multiple vine. Different methods are used at different times and for different varieties. For example, in early-maturing cultivation in the north where the growing period is short, single-vine pruning is mostly used. When the main vine is about 50 cm long, the main vine is retained and all side vines are removed, which is suitable for early-maturing varieties. In both the south and the north, double-vine pruning is commonly used in cultivation. The method is to retain, in addition to the main vine, 1 side vine at the base to grow parallel with the main vine, and remove all other side vines. Three-vine pruning is a commonly used pruning method for mid- and late-maturing varieties in open-field cultivation. The method is to retain, in addition to the main vine, 2 side vines at the base to grow parallel with the main vine, and remove all other side vines. Multiple-vine pruning is suitable for varieties with strong growth vigor and for sparse planting. The main vine is topped, and after the side branches form, 4—5 side vines are retained to grow in parallel toward the surroundings or both sides, using the side vines to bear fruit.
3. Vine pressing
Pressing watermelon vines can prevent damage to vines and fruit from being blown about by strong winds, and it also helps fruit set and induces adventitious root growth. It can make full use of nutrients in the idle soil of the watermelon field and increase the range of fertilizer and water absorption, thereby increasing yield. Vine pressing is generally done in three sections: press the first section when the main vine is 40 cm, the second section at 100 cm, and the third section at 150 cm. When pressing vines, press the vines straight and arrange them evenly. When the fruit is expanding, vine pressing should be stopped. Generally, vines are pressed 4-5 times throughout the entire growth period.
4. Points for attention
In the morning there is more moisture and the vines are more brittle, so it is not suitable to press vines. It should be done after noon. When pressing vines, the main and side vines are easy to break, so when pressing vines both the main and side vines must be pressed, and the vines should be pulled tight to facilitate smooth nutrient transport. Also note that pressing should be heavier before the fruit and lighter after the fruit. Vine pressing is divided into open pressing and hidden pressing. Open pressing refers to using clods of soil or branches to fix the vine at a certain position on the ground, generally pressing one spot every 20-30 cm. Hidden pressing refers to digging a deep trench in the ground, placing the vine inside, and then filling it with soil and pressing it firm. Be careful not to press the leaves into the trench. In areas with a lot of rain, open pressing is preferable.
The above is an introduction to watermelon pruning and vine pressing techniques. We hope it can help you. If you want to learn more related knowledge, please keep following us.