Changzhou Ziying Metal Products Co., Ltd , https://www.ziyingmetal.com
To make melons grow well, I also learn how to put fruit bags
In the process of melon cultivation, several challenges often arise, such as frequent diseases, excessive pesticide residues, and an unattractive fruit surface. To address these issues, farmers can adopt the fruit bagging technique, which is commonly used in orchard management, and apply it to melon production. Below is a detailed explanation of this technique:
First, selecting the right variety is crucial. Once the melons are bagged, the paper bags provide shade, which can affect the sugar accumulation in the fruit and thus influence its flavor. Therefore, it's important to choose varieties with high sugar content. Examples include Yong Tian No. 3, Yong Tian No. 12, and Hong Cheng No. 10, which are known for their sweetness and quality.
Second, choosing the appropriate type of bag is essential. Double-layer paper bags offer good shading and help keep the fruit surface smooth and clean, but they may slightly reduce the sweetness of the melon. On the other hand, thin paper or plastic bags allow better air circulation but are more prone to damage and may not provide adequate protection. In practice, a single-layer paper bag designed for pears—available in sizes like 16cm and 20cm—is often used for melons due to its balance between protection and breathability.
Third, timing and method of bagging are critical. It's best to start bagging about half a month before the melons begin to ripen. At this stage, the fruits have reached their final size and will no longer grow significantly. If bagging is done too early, it might hinder further development and lower yield; if done too late, the benefits of bagging may be lost. The ideal time to bag is in the morning, around 10:00 AM, when the dew has dried. Only healthy, well-shaped melons that are free from disease and located in high positions should be selected. When placing the bag, gently open it by hand, hold the stem with one hand, and carefully place the bag over the fruit. Then, fold the top of the bag and seal it with both hands to ensure it stays in place. After bagging, avoid getting the bags wet during watering, as this could cause them to tear.
Lastly, it's important to remove the bags at the right time. For low-sugar varieties, the bags should be taken off 3 to 5 days before harvesting to encourage sugar accumulation. However, for high-sugar varieties, the bags are usually removed only when the melons are fully ripe and ready for picking, ensuring optimal flavor and appearance. This careful approach helps maintain fruit quality while reducing the need for chemical treatments and improving marketability.