How to prune watermelon vines?

In the process of watermelon cultivation and management, in addition to basic fertilization, irrigation and pest and disease control , key operations such as pruning and topping are also required. Although watermelons can bear fruit if left to grow naturally, this method often results in low yields and sometimes it is even difficult to ensure that the fruit matures normally. So how do you prune watermelon vines?

1. Pruning technology

1. Single vine pruning method

This method involves removing the main vine's growth point, leaving only one lateral vine, and guiding the lateral vine in the direction of the main vine's growth, forming a circular layout. Although it is time-consuming and may cause field closure, it can effectively control plant growth and increase fruit set rate.

2. Double vine pruning method

Keep the main vine and a strong side vine, remove the other side vines, and arrange the main and side vines in parallel. This method can improve yield and quality, but requires higher management skills and more manpower.

3. Three-vine pruning method

Keep the main vine and two strong side vines, remove the other side vines, and form a triangular layout. This can also increase production and quality, but requires high management and labor.

2. Tips for Pruning

1. Remove adventitious buds

During the growth period, adventitious buds will continue to sprout at the base. These buds will consume nutrients, affect the growth and fruit setting of watermelon, and need to be removed in time.

2. Remove side buds

During the growth process of the main vine and side vines, side buds will grow, competing with the main vine for nutrients, affecting growth and fruit setting, and need to be removed in time.

3. Remove old leaves

During the growth process, the old leaves at the bottom will gradually turn yellow and become unable to photosynthesize. They will also consume nutrients and need to be removed in time.

3. Melon retention strategy

1. Choose female flowers

During the growth process, select female flowers with suitable positions, enlarged ovaries and thick pedicels. The flowering time of female flowers is also an important consideration for keeping melons. Female flowers that bloom too early or too late should not be kept.

2. Choose young melons

About 20 days after the female flowers open, young melons are formed and enter the swelling stage. Choose young melons with large ovaries, regular shapes, and no diseases or insect pests. At the same time, avoid leaving too many melons to avoid affecting quality and yield.

3. Thinning melons

If you find deformed melons or melons with diseases and insect pests, you must remove them in time to avoid affecting the growth of other young melons. Be careful not to leave too many young melons, so as not to affect the quality and yield.

IV. Key points of management

1. Avoid injury

During the process of pruning, trimming and retaining melons, avoid damaging the plants and young melons to avoid affecting their growth and development.

2. Choose at the right time

When selecting female flowers and young melons, avoid doing it too early or too late, as this may affect quality and yield.

3. Timing of thinning melons

When thinning melons, choose the right time and method to avoid affecting the growth of other young melons.

4. Pest and disease control

During field management, it is necessary to prevent and control pests and diseases and weeds in a timely manner to ensure the normal growth of watermelon.

In summary, pruning and topping of watermelon are indispensable management measures to improve watermelon yield and quality. Through these methods, the growth of watermelon can be effectively regulated to ensure healthy growth of watermelon and produce more and better fruits.