1. Timely sowing and the cultivation of healthy seedlings should be based on local climate conditions to determine the optimal sowing period, aiming to set fruit before the rainy season begins. Typically, sowing takes place between late February and mid-March. Using insulated seedbeds and nutrient-rich pots is recommended, with a seed rate of approximately 100 grams per mu. Before planting, seeds are soaked in hot water around 70°C, then allowed to cool naturally. Soaking for one hour and germinating at 25-30°C helps improve germination rates. Once sprouted, the seeds should be transferred to prepared nutrient cups. During the seedling stage, it's important to maintain proper insulation. In case of cold spells, heating methods like electric cables or incandescent lamps can be used. The principle for moisture control is "see dry, see wet." About ten days before transplanting, hardening off the seedlings is essential to help them adapt to outdoor conditions.
2. Isolation is crucial to maintain the purity of the variety. Different species should be kept separate, and it is generally recommended that no other melon or zucchini varieties be grown within a 500-meter radius of the seed production field to avoid cross-pollination.
3. Soil preparation should be done in plots that have not been used for melons for more than two years. The site should be elevated, with loose, fertile soil, and good irrigation and drainage systems. A typical layout includes a planting bed 4.5 meters wide, with ditches 0.2 meters deep and 0.5 meters wide. The beds are shaped into smooth mounds, with each bed about 30 meters long. Ditches are 0.3 meters wide and 0.35 meters deep. Fertilizer is applied 0.35 meters away from the ditch, using 3,000 kg of manure and 60 kg of compound fertilizer per acre. Finally, a 1-meter-wide plastic film is laid to mark the planting lines. In mid-April, when the seedlings have two to three true leaves, they are transplanted with a spacing of 0.45 meters, resulting in about 600 plants per acre.
4. Field management involves several key steps. After planting and establishment, watering with clear water is recommended until the plants have 2-3 true leaves. Surface application of mulberry fertilizer, along with 15 kg of urea and 30 kg of compound fertilizer per acre, is beneficial, but this should not be done during the fruit-setting stage. After fruiting, when the fruits reach about 500 grams, top-dressing with 20 kg of urea per acre is necessary. Watering should be done every 5-7 days if there is high temperature and dry weather, avoiding waterlogging. On rainy days, extra care is needed to prevent diseases.
5. Vines should be trained properly once they start growing. When the main vine produces a strong side vine, the side vine should be guided to grow outward. When the vine reaches 0.5 meters, it should be pressed down to encourage root development. Vines in adjacent rows should be trained to grow toward each other without crossing, ensuring neat growth. Usually, two vines per plant are kept, with the first 2-4 female flowers on the main vine being selected. If the plant has sufficient nutrients, an additional fruit can be retained on the side vine.
6. Pollination assistance is important to increase fruit set and seed yield. Melon flowers typically open around 7 a.m., so male flowers are collected and pollen is brushed onto the female stigma, or the male flower is directly placed on the female flower. This process should be completed by 10 a.m. Bees can also be introduced during flowering to aid pollination.
7. After the fruits are stable, protective measures should be taken. Laying grass under the fruits helps prevent rotting, and covering the fruits during intense sunlight prevents sunburn. Regular pest control is also essential.
8. Seed selection occurs in two stages. The first selection is made when the young fruits weigh about 500 grams, choosing those with typical variety characteristics, strong plants, and removing any sterile, diseased, or weak plants. A second selection is made when the fruits are fully mature, which usually takes about 40 days after fruiting. Female flowers are marked when 50%-60% are open, and fruits are harvested in batches based on their maturity. Leaves should be removed before they turn yellow or wither. After harvesting, the fruits are stored in a cool, dry place for 15 days before seed extraction.
9. Seed collection, drying, and storage require careful handling. Choose seeds with thick flesh and small central cavities. After washing and separating, rinse thoroughly until no mucus remains. Avoid using iron containers to prevent discoloration. Seeds should not be exposed directly to sunlight on cement floors; instead, use bamboo mats and spread them thinly for even drying. On the first day, only the outer layer should be dried, not the entire seed. Avoid piling them until fully dried. Store the seeds in a cool, dry place. Through years of practice, this method has increased average seed yield to 25 kg per acre, with some fields reaching up to 40 kg.
BK100
Bioantibody Biotechnology Co., Ltd. , https://www.bioantibodymedical.com