Winter melon is a common vegetable with high nutritional value and medicinal value. In the planting process of winter melon, pruning and leaving melon is an important part of improving yield and quality. The following will introduce in detail the method of pruning winter melon and leaving melon.
First, the selection of varieties
Choosing a variety of winter melon suitable for the local climate and soil conditions is the premise of pruning and retaining melon. In general, early, medium, and late ripening varieties can be used for the cultivation of winter melons. When choosing varieties, it should be considered according to local climatic conditions, market demand, planting methods and other factors.
2. Colonization
The planting time of winter melon is usually in spring or autumn, and the land should be deeply turned before planting, sufficient basal fertilizer should be applied, and planted according to the plant row spacing. In general, the plant spacing is 50-60 cm for early-maturing varieties, 60-80 cm for medium-maturing varieties, and 80-100 cm for late-maturing varieties.
3. Pruning and pruning
1.Pruning: The pruning method of winter melon can vary depending on the variety, growing environment, and cultivation method. Generally speaking, common pruning methods include single vine pruning, double vine pruning and triple vine pruning. Single-vine pruning refers to the removal of all side vines from the plant, leaving only the main vine, which is suitable for early maturing varieties and varieties with weak growth potential. Double-vine pruning refers to retaining the main vine and leaving a side vine at the base of the main vine, which is suitable for medium-ripening varieties and varieties with strong growth potential. Three-vine pruning refers to keeping the main vine and leaving two side vines at the base of the main vine, which is suitable for late-maturing varieties and vigorous varieties.
2.Shooting: During the growth of winter melon, excess side vines and side buds should be removed in time to reduce nutrient consumption and promote the growth of plants. Generally speaking, side vines and side buds will grow faster than main vines, and if not removed in time, it will affect the ventilation and light transmission of the plant, reducing the yield and quality. Harvesting should be done on sunny days to avoid the spread of diseases caused by rainy weather.
3.Retention melon: In the growth process of winter melon, the appropriate quantity and quality of retention melon should be selected according to the different varieties and cultivation methods. Generally speaking, early-maturing varieties and medium-ripening varieties have 1-2 melons per plant, and late-maturing varieties have 2-3 melons per plant. When leaving melons, young melons with good shape and good development should be selected to stay, and deformed melons and diseased melons should be removed. At the same time, the quantity and quality of the remaining melons should be determined according to the growth of the plant and the market demand.
Fourth, pest control
In the growth process of winter melon, the control of pests and diseases is the key to ensure the yield and quality. Common winter melon diseases and insect pests include blight, anthracnose, downy mildew, powdery mildew, aphids, thrips, etc. The prevention and control of pests and diseases should be based on the principle of prevention and comprehensive control. In the planting process, field management should be strengthened, weeds and diseased leaves should be removed in time, and the ventilation and light transmission of plants should be maintained. At the same time, fertilizer should be applied reasonably, organic fertilizer and phosphorus and potassium fertilizer should be increased to improve the disease resistance of plants. When pests and diseases occur, appropriate pesticides should be selected for control according to the disease and insect conditions.
5. Harvesting
The harvesting time of winter melon is generally about 20-30 days after fruit set, and the specific time should be comprehensively considered according to factors such as variety, growth environment and market demand. At the time of harvesting, it should be carried out on a sunny day to avoid the spread of diseases and fruit rot caused by rainy weather. At the same time, care should be taken to avoid damage to the fruit. After harvesting, the peel and residual leaves should be cleaned up in time, and graded and packaged according to market demand.