First, the cultivation season
Black melon can be grown all year round, making it a versatile crop that can be planted in different seasons depending on local climate conditions. This flexibility allows farmers to plan their planting schedules effectively and maximize yield throughout the year.
Second, species selection
It is important to choose black melon varieties that are disease-resistant, high-yield, and suitable for market demand. Some recommended varieties include Sanshui black melon, Nanhai black melon, Guangzhou black melon, and Qiongnong black melon. These varieties have proven to be resilient, productive, and popular among consumers.
Third, nursery technology
1. Specifications of nursery facilities
(1) Seedling tray: 510×50 holes or 69×54 holes
(2) Seedbed: 20 cm in height, 120 cm in width, with length determined by available space.
2. Preparation of nutritious soil: Mix decomposed farmyard manure, plant ash (grain ash), or coco pupae in a ratio of 6:2:2. Add 0.2%-0.3% NPK fertilizer and mix thoroughly. For best results, use a combination of coco peat and decomposed cow dung slag in a 7:3 ratio, along with 1 kg of NPK fertilizer per cubic meter. Ensure the pH level is between 6-7 to achieve good aeration, water retention, and nutrient availability.
3. Seed quality: Must meet GB16715.3-1999 grade 2 standards. The seeds should have a purity of at least 95%, germination rate of at least 60%, and a net purity of 99%.
Seed dosage: 25-50 grams per acre.
4. Seed processing
(1) Disinfection: Soak seeds in warm water at 55°C for 15 minutes, then soak in clean water for 10 hours. Next, place them in a 10% trisodium phosphate solution for 20 minutes, rinse thoroughly, and repeat this process at least three times.
(2) Germination: After washing, keep the seeds at a constant temperature of 28°C to 30°C. Rinse them once daily and drain excess moisture. Continue germinating until the seeds begin to sprout and show white tips. Use an incubator if possible for better results.
5. Sowing
(1) Plug seeding: Fill seedling trays with prepared nutrient soil, place two seeds into each hole, and cover with a thin layer of soil. Water sufficiently after sowing.
(2) Direct sowing: Sow seeds directly onto the fertilized soil and cover with plastic film to maintain moisture and warmth.
6. Seedling management
(1) Environmental regulation
Temperature: Control temperature using agricultural film and shade nets. In hot weather, use shading to cool down; in cold weather, use small arch sheds covered with plastic film to retain heat. Maintain a daytime temperature of 20°C–30°C and nighttime temperature of 15°C–20°C.
Illumination: Place the seedbed in a sunny area to allow natural light for photosynthesis. If sunlight is too intense, consider partial shading.
Moisture: Keep the soil moist during the seedling stage, and combine watering with fertilization and pest control. Apply 0.2%–0.3% NPK fertilizer 1–2 times per week, and spray with 1000 times diluted chlorothalonil or 500 times diluted dexamethasone Zn every 7–10 days to prevent damping-off and blight diseases.
(2) Hardening off: Begin hardening off one week before transplanting by gradually removing covers. On sunny days, open the sides of the agricultural film and slowly increase exposure to air to help the seedlings adapt to outdoor conditions.
Fourth, colonization
1. Preparation before planting
Prepare the soil by applying basal fertilizer. Use 1500–2000 kg of high-quality farmyard manure per mu, 30–50 kg of cake fertilizer, and 40–50 kg of superphosphate. Mix everything thoroughly and apply 15–20 kg of urea into the furrow. Then, mix well with the soil and perform deep plowing. Create raised beds with a width of 450–500 cm and cover with black mulch. Silver-gray mulch is also a good alternative for improved performance.
2. Planting time
Plant in the early morning before 10:00 AM or in the late afternoon after 4:00 PM to avoid the midday heat. Ensure sufficient water is applied during planting.
3. Planting methods and density
Use a double-row planting method with spacing of 80–100 cm between rows and 400 cm between plants. This allows for about 350 plants per acre. When transplanting, first cultivate 80% of the soil, then water each plant with approximately 2 kg of water. Cover the planting hole with dry soil and compact it around the mulch to prevent leaves from touching the plastic film.
Fifth, field management technology
1. Fertilizer and water management
Wax gourd requires consistent water and nutrient supply, especially during fruiting. Water regularly to keep the soil moist, and use furrow irrigation after the vines start to run. Each irrigation should reach 1/2 to 2/3 of the furrow depth.
Fertilize four times during the growing season: 7 days before flowering, when fruits weigh about 0.5 kg, and then every 7–10 days. Apply 30 kg of compound fertilizer per mu during the second application, followed by two more applications of 15–20 kg per acre. If needed, add one more dose later in the season.
2. Fertilizers not allowed
Do not use urban waste, sludge, industrial waste residues, or untreated organic fertilizers, as they may contain harmful substances that could damage crops or pose health risks.
3. Plant training and shaping
(1) Vine management: Leave 2–3 side vines before fruit set, and remove all other side vines once fruit begins to develop.
(2) Vine pressing: Press the vines before and after fruit setting to encourage root development and improve stability.
(3) Fruit retention: Keep about 22 fruits per plant to ensure quality and uniform growth.
(4) Pollination: Perform hand pollination between 7–9 AM, and aim for two fruits per plant.
(5) Fruit selection and fixation: Retain only the best fruit on the main vine and remove the rest to concentrate energy on producing high-quality fruits.
Sporty Safety Shoes,Sporty Comfortable Safety Shoes,Slip Resistance Sporty Shoes,Red Safety Shoes
Brightway Shoes Co., Ltd. , https://www.brightwaysafety.com