High-yield and high-quality cultivation techniques of seedless watermelon
2025-06-28 08:41:14
First, artificial shelling significantly improves the germination rate of seedless watermelon seeds. Initially, the germination rate is only 30-40%, but with proper manual shelling techniques, it can be boosted to over 95%. To do this, place the seed's mouth near the seam of a nail clipper and gently press the handle to split about one-third of the seed's length. This method ensures better access for the seedling to emerge.
The ideal sowing period for seedless watermelons is from late March to early April. When preparing nursery beds, there are five key steps to follow. First, prepare nutrient soil by mixing 5 parts field soil, 3 parts pig or cow manure, and 2 parts composted manure. The manure must be fully decomposed, and 3 kg of compound fertilizer and phosphate fertilizer should be added per cubic meter of soil. The moisture content should be around 60%—the soil should form a ball when squeezed but crumble easily when dropped.
Next, treat the seeds. Choose high-quality triploid seeds with specific characteristics such as immature embryos, deep corky longitudinal cracks, and bead-like protrusions. Soak the seeds in water for 2–3 hours and then stir them gently before sowing. Sow one seed per pot, cover it with 2 cm of fine, loose soil, and ensure clear spacing between each seedling.
Then, assist in shelling the seeds manually once the seedlings start to emerge. If the shells don't fall off naturally, remove them carefully by hand. If the shell is too dry, mist it lightly with water first to make removal easier. Finally, strictly control the humidity in the seedbed to avoid disease and promote healthy growth.
Second, apply base fertilizer properly. The standard base fertilizer rate is 1500 kg of farmyard manure, 100 kg of cake fertilizer, and 75 kg of compound fertilizer per mu. Increase potassium application while reducing phosphorus to prevent issues like sunscald and pests. Avoid fertilizing during vine extension to maintain steady plant growth. When the fruit starts to develop, apply 10 kg of compound fertilizer per acre along with irrigation.
Third, use sorghum film and proper transplanting techniques. Seedless watermelons are sensitive to drought and require good drainage. Use deep furrows and a three-ditch system to manage water efficiently. Also, promote the use of plastic mulch to improve soil temperature and reduce weed competition.
When planting, aim for a density of about 680 plants per mu. Choose cloudy days for transplanting, classify seedlings before planting, and ensure they receive enough water. To boost seedling health, soak them in a 0.2% urea or potassium dihydrogen phosphate solution before planting.
Fourth, prune regularly and manage growth with hormones. Without proper pruning, vines may grow excessively, leading to delayed fruiting or no fruit at all. Double-vine pruning helps ensure one melon per plant and increases overall yield. During fruit set, spray 10 ml of midazolam in 30 kg of water twice to prevent leggy growth and increase fruiting efficiency.
Fifth, perform artificial pollination and protect the flowers. This is crucial for high yields. In the morning (6–9 AM), collect male flowers that have just opened, remove their petals, and gently touch the female stigma. On rainy days, cover the female flowers with leaves or sodium sulfate paper to improve pollination success.
Sixth, control fruit positioning and use micro-fertilizers. Select the third female flower on the main vine for fruiting, ensuring each melon has about 60 healthy leaves. Foliar sprays such as Plantex 18, rare earth elements, or other nutrients can significantly enhance fruit quality and yield. Spraying these solutions 2–3 times during the growing season can increase production by an average of 20%, improve sugar content, and reduce white seeds.
Seventh, use grass mulching to protect the fruits. Laying grass around the plants helps improve fruit set, reduce pests, and keep the melon surface clean and smooth, which enhances marketability. Harvest when the melons are fully ripe, typically after 33–35 days. Maturity should be judged by leaf wilting, skin shine, and stripe clarity rather than just tapping the fruit.
Finally, implement integrated pest and disease control. Common diseases include damping-off and wilt, while pests like aphids and thrips are also a concern. Improve seedling resistance through proper management, and use chemical treatments like copper-based sprays for damping-off and anti-dry ling for wilt. Apply insecticides to control pests effectively.
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