Greenhouse melon seed production is less affected by external environmental factors. After castration, the wounds heal quickly, leading to a high pollination rate and lower risk of seed production with higher yields. The following is an introduction to this advanced seed production technique.
1. Sowing
1.1 Sowing Time
Parents need to be sown at different times to ensure sufficient male plants for pollination. Typically, the male parent is sown 5 to 10 days earlier than the female parent. Seedlings are usually ready for transplanting after 30 to 40 days, when they have 2 to 3 true leaves. In the central region of Hebei Province, the male parent is generally planted in early February, while the female parent is sown 5 to 10 days later, depending on weather conditions.
1.2 Seedling Preparation
Use nutrient soil made from fertile topsoil that has not been used for growing melons. Mix 0.3 cubic meters of well-rotted manure and 1.5–2 kg of compound fertilizer per square meter. Fill the seedbeds with the nutrient soil, compact it, and water it before sowing, making sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
1.3 Sowing Techniques
Each shoot should have one germinated seed. Use medicated soil for covering, with a thickness of 0.8–1 cm. After sowing, cover the seedbed with plastic film and a small greenhouse to maintain a daytime temperature of around 32°C and a nighttime temperature of no less than 20°C. Once the seedlings emerge, remove the covering.
1.4 Seedling Management
After emergence, keep the daytime temperature between 25–28°C and nighttime temperature between 12–15°C. Once the cotyledons flatten, increase the temperature slightly to 28–30°C during the day and 15°C at night. Transplant the seedlings when they have 2–3 true leaves.
2. Planting
2.1 Planting Time
Planting typically occurs around mid-March.
2.2 Soil Preparation
Melon seed production requires rich soil. Apply 3–4 cubic meters of organic manure and 100 kg of compound fertilizer per acre. Deep plow the field, level it, and prepare the bed properly.
2.3 Planting Techniques
Use a sorghum planting method. Create rows spaced 60 cm apart, and dig 15 cm deep trenches. For single-vine pruning, plant 2200 plants per acre with 60 cm between rows and 50 cm between plants, leaving two fruits per plant. For double-vine pruning, plant 1200 plants per acre with 90 cm spacing, leaving three to four fruits per plant. The male-to-female ratio is usually 1:10. Place seedlings in the trench, water along the ditch, and cover with plastic film after the water is absorbed.
2.4 Post-Planting Care
Maintain greenhouse temperatures between 30–33°C before the seedlings establish roots. Water regularly to help retain moisture. Once new leaves appear, lower the temperature to 30°C during the day and 15°C at night.
3. Pruning
Before pollination, parents must be pruned. Two methods are used: single-vine and double-vine pruning, depending on density. For single-vine pruning, leave 2–3 lateral branches below the 6th leaf and top them at 2–3 leaves. Remove all lateral branches from the 6th to 11th leaf. Leave 12–15 leaves on the side vines for pollination, keeping two fruits per plant. For double-vine pruning, top the seedlings at the 5th leaf and select two strong lateral vines. Keep two vines after the 8th leaf. Male plants should not be pruned; instead, they should be topped and fertilized to promote growth.
4. Cross-Pollination
Collect male flowers early in the morning, just before sunrise, and place them in a covered container with a damp cloth at the bottom. Store them in a cool place to prevent wilting. If the male flowers open in the afternoon, collect them the next day. Pollinate the female flowers the same day. Each male flower can pollinate two female flowers. Mark the pollinated ones clearly. Pollinate between 6–10 AM and 4–7 PM, avoiding the heat of the day. Ensure the female flower’s cap is securely fastened and the mark is clear. Check the pollinated flowers for completeness and remove any that are damaged.
After pollination, maintain the greenhouse temperature between 25–30°C during the day and above 16°C at night.
5. Post-Pollination Care
Remove naturally pollinated melons that were not marked. Remove the mulch and leave 2–3 leaves above the fruit. Allow the main vine to grow up to 25 leaves. When 70% of the melons reach the size of jujubes, apply 25 kg of urea or 30 kg of compound fertilizer per acre. Re-water and re-fertilize after 10 days as needed.
6. Seed Collection
6.1 Melon Harvesting
Clean the melons every three days before harvesting. Inspect each melon individually and remove unmarked ones. Assign dedicated personnel for harvesting to ensure only pollinated melons are collected.
6.2 Seed Processing
Place the seeds into a bucket or container and wash them in clean water. Separate the sinkers from the floating seeds.
6.3 Seed Selection
Dry the seeds and select only those that are white, intact, and uniform in shape. Store the qualified seeds in proper conditions.
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