Greenhouse melon seed production is not significantly affected by external environmental conditions. After castration, the wounds heal quickly, resulting in a high pollination rate and lower risks of seed production, which leads to higher yields. The following is an introduction to this seed production technique.
1. Sowing
1.1 Sowing Time
The parents should be sown at different times to ensure a sufficient supply of male plants. Generally, the father is sown 5 to 10 days earlier than the mother. Seedlings are typically 30 to 40 days old when planted, with 2-leaf-1-heart to 3-leaf-1-heart stages. In the central part of Hebei Province, the father is usually sown in early February, while the mother is sown 5 to 10 days later, depending on weather conditions.
1.2 Seedling Preparation
Nutrient soil is essential for seedling growth. Plastic trays (10x10 cm) can be used. The soil should be fertile topsoil that has not been used for melons before. Mix 0.3 cubic meters of compost and 1.5–2 kg of compound fertilizer per square meter. Fill the beds with nutrient soil, compact it, and water the bed before sowing without over-saturating.
1.3 Seeding Techniques
Each shoot should have one germinated seed. Use medicated soil to cover the seeds, with a layer of about 0.8–1 cm. After sowing, cover the seedbed with plastic film and a small greenhouse to maintain temperatures between 32°C during the day and above 20°C at night. Remove the covering once the seedlings emerge.
1.4 Seedling Management
After emergence, control daytime temperatures at 25–28°C and nighttime temperatures at 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 reach the 2-leaf-1-heart or 3-leaf-1-heart stage.
2. Planting
2.1 Planting Time
Planting is generally done around mid-March.
2.2 Pre-Planting Preparation
Melon seed production requires rich soil. Apply 3–4 cubic meters of organic manure per acre, along with 100 kg of compound fertilizer. Deep plow the field, level it, and prepare it for planting.
2.3 Planting Techniques
Use a sorghum planting method. Create rows 60 cm apart, then dig trenches 15 cm deep. For single-vine pruning, plant 2200 females per acre with 60 cm between rows and 50 cm between plants, leaving 2–3 fruits per plant. For double-vine pruning, plant 1200 per acre with 90 cm spacing, allowing 3–4 fruits per plant. The ratio of male to female plants is usually 1:10. Place seedlings in the trench, water them, and cover with plastic film.
2.4 Post-Planting Care
Maintain greenhouse temperatures between 30–33°C before seedlings establish roots. Once new leaves appear, reduce the temperature to 30°C during the day and 15°C at night. Water regularly after planting to help retain moisture.
3. Pruning
Before pollination, prune both male and female plants. Single-vine pruning allows 2–3 lateral branches below the 6th leaf, each topped at 2–3 leaves. Remove all lateral branches from the 6th to 11th leaf. Leave 12–15 leaves on the side vines for pollination, selecting two adjacent vines to leave two fruits per plant. Double-vine pruning involves topping seedlings at the 5th leaf stage, keeping two strong lateral vines. Select two vines at the 8th leaf stage, leaving two per plant after pollination. Male plants should not be pruned but kept vigorous with proper watering and fertilization.
4. Cross-Pollination
Collect male flowers in the morning before sunrise and place them in covered containers with moist paper towels. Store in a cool place. Pollinate female flowers the next day, using one male flower for two female flowers. Mark the pollinated flowers clearly. Perform pollination between 6–10 AM and 4–7 PM to avoid high noon temperatures. Ensure the female flower's cap is secure and the mark is visible. Check for any leaks or damage after pollination.
5. Post-Pollination Care
After pollination, maintain daytime temperatures between 25–30°C and nighttime temperatures above 16°C. Remove the mulch and trim 2–3 leaves above the fruiting site. Allow the main vine to grow up to 25 leaves. When 70% of the fruits are the size of jujubes, apply fertilizer—25 kg of urea or 30 kg of compound fertilizer per acre. Repeat watering and fertilizing after 10 days as needed.
6. Seed Harvesting
6.1 Melon Production
Clean the melons every three days before harvest. Inspect each fruit individually and remove unmarked ones. Assign specific personnel to collect the seeds, ensuring no non-hybrid fruits are mixed in.
6.2 Seed Processing
After cutting, pour the seeds into a container or bucket. Wash them in clean water, and select the sunken, clean seeds.
6.3 Seed Selection
Dry the seeds and sort out white, broken, or oddly shaped seeds. Store only the high-quality seeds properly.
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