What causes bitter melon splitting
When growing bitter melon, splitting is very likely to occur. Bitter melon splitting may be caused by natural causes or by diseases, and the environment can also cause this situation. So what exactly are the causes? Let's take a look at these causes below.
1. Large temperature difference between day and night
The growth of bitter melon flesh is affected by temperature and differs from the growth rate of the skin. When the temperature difference between day and night is large, the flesh of bitter melon grows faster than the skin. Once this accumulates to a certain extent, the bitter melon will split. Before this happens, careful observation of the bitter melon will reveal that its skin is becoming tighter and tighter. When this feeling appears, it means the temperature control has not been done well, and growers should pay attention to regulating the temperature.
2. Gummy stem blight
The disease that mainly causes this situation is gummy stem blight, which affects the internal growth structure of bitter melon. This situation is likely to occur when humidity is too high. First, the vine area secretes some harmful substances, and then these substances infect the bitter melon, making it relatively crisp. At this point the bitter melon continues to grow naturally, but because the flesh has become relatively dry and brittle, lacking viscoelasticity, it will eventually crack when it expands to a certain extent. This disease is quite contagious, so it must be treated promptly.
3. Physiological fruit cracking
Physiological fruit cracking refers to cracking caused by an imbalance of fertilizer and water in bitter melon. The root system of bitter melon cannot absorb enough water to supply the consumption of the leaves, and this situation is most likely to occur when it is relatively dry. This mostly happens during the rapid growth period of bitter melon. At this stage, the demand for both nutrients and water is at its highest. A lack of either will cause the bitter melon to swell and crack, and it is very likely to occur in batches, so fertilizer and water balance must be well managed during this period.
4. Natural cracking
The last one is natural cracking, which is caused by growers not harvesting in time. The growth of bitter melon is limited and will not continue indefinitely. After it grows to a certain extent, it will crack open on its own. This is the situation caused by the bitter melon becoming relatively old. If this situation is found in the later stage of growth, there is no need to worry; just pick it in time. It is said in some places that the seeds of bitter melon that have become old enough to crack are the best, and some people will deliberately leave some of these as seeds.
The above are several causes of bitter melon splitting. If you encounter this situation, do not panic. First figure out why the bitter melon is splitting, and then solve the problem. I hope this can help everyone ensure your planting benefits.