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High-yield cultivation techniques of watermelon
Watermelon is one of the most popular raw fruits, especially during the summer season. Known for its juicy and sweet flesh, it's packed with essential vitamins and minerals. In recent years, the cultivation of watermelons has expanded significantly across different regions of the city. Here are some advanced high-yield cultivation techniques that have been widely adopted:
1. **Site Selection**: Choose well-drained sandy loam or loam soil that receives ample sunlight and is located on higher ground. Avoid planting watermelons after melons, soybeans, or other related crops to prevent diseases like blight and reduce yield. The best rotation crop is corn, sugarcane, or peanuts.
2. **Soil Preparation**: Watermelons have a deep and extensive root system, so the soil must be thoroughly dried and disinfected before planting. Apply 100–120 kg of lime per acre. Create raised beds with a spacing of 2–2.3 meters between rows and 50 cm between plants. Incorporate organic compost (2500–3000 kg), peanut bran (70–80 kg), phosphate fertilizer (50–60 kg), compound fertilizer (60–70 kg), and a small amount of borax into the soil. To control pests, mix in a small quantity of Milur or trichlorfon. Cover the bed with plastic film and apply a pre-emergence herbicide like acetochlor.
3. **Sowing and Seedling Management**: Spring sowing should take place from early February to mid-March, while autumn sowing is ideal from mid-July to early August. Use live seedlings or nursery pots to ensure strong growth. Transplant seedlings when they have 2–3 true leaves.
4. **Fertilization and Irrigation**: Watermelons require balanced nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium at different growth stages. Focus on nitrogen and potassium during the fruiting stage. Apply top dressing with compound fertilizer or urea-potash mix. Ensure even distribution and avoid over-fertilization. During the growth phase, maintain proper irrigation and consider foliar sprays if needed.
5. **Vine Laying**: Once the vines start to grow, lay them on the ground to help them climb and protect the plants from heat damage caused by direct sunlight.
6. **Pruning**: Perform three types of pruning to keep 3 vines per plant. Remove excess vines early and trim back any unnecessary growth to promote better fruit development.
7. **Artificial Pollination**: While natural pollination works well in good weather, manual pollination can be done in the morning (7–10 AM) when conditions are less favorable. Gently transfer pollen from male to female flowers to improve fruit set.
8. **Fruit Thinning**: Leave 3 fruits per plant, selecting the best ones near the main vine. Remove the first female flower on each vine and keep the second one for optimal fruit quality.
9. **Topping**: When the main vine reaches about 25 nodes, perform topping to stop further growth and redirect nutrients to the fruits.
10. **Pest and Disease Control**: Prevent blight using fungicides like Diethamethylnaphthalene or Fumei Double. For powdery mildew, use sulfur-based products. Control pests like aphids and fruit flies with insecticides such as Dimethoate or Baccarat.
11. **Harvesting**: Harvest watermelons when they are fully mature, usually around 28–30 days after pollination. Check ripeness by tapping the fruit and testing for maturity before harvesting. Timely harvesting ensures the best flavor and quality.