1. Timely sowing and cultivating strong seedlings should be based on local climate conditions to determine the optimal sowing period, aiming to set fruit before the rainy season. It is typically recommended to sow between late February and mid-March. Use an insulated seedbed and nutrient-rich seedling trays, with approximately 100 grams of seeds per mu. Before sowing, soak the seeds in hot water (around 70°C) and allow them to cool naturally. Soak for one hour, then germinate at 25–30°C. Once germinated, check the germination bed regularly and transplant the sprouted seeds into prepared nutrient pots. During the seedling stage, ensure proper insulation. In case of cold waves, use heating cables or incandescent lamps to keep the seedbed warm. Maintain a "see dry, see wet" moisture control strategy. Ten days before planting, begin hardening off the seedlings to prepare them for outdoor conditions.
2. Isolation is essential to maintain variety purity. Ensure that no other melon or zucchini varieties are grown within a 500-meter radius of the seed production field. This prevents cross-pollination and preserves the genetic integrity of the desired variety.
3. Site preparation involves selecting land that has not been used for melons for at least two years. The area should be elevated, with loose, fertile soil and good irrigation and drainage systems. Typically, the field is prepared by creating beds 4.5 meters wide, with furrows 0.2 meters deep and 0.5 meters wide. The bed shape resembles a turtle back, with a smooth surface and fine soil particles. Each bed is 30 meters long, with a central trench 0.3 meters deep and 0.35 meters wide. Apply base fertilizer 0.35 meters away from the furrow, using 3,000 kg of manure and 60 kg of compound fertilizer per acre. Finally, lay a 1-meter-wide plastic film for planting. In mid-April, when the seedlings have 2–3 true leaves, plant them at 0.45 meters apart, resulting in about 600 plants per acre.
4. Field management includes several key steps. After planting, once the seedlings have established, apply clear water to help them grow. Then, apply a top dressing of mulberry fertilizer, using 15 kg of urea and 30 kg of compound fertilizer per acre. Be careful not to apply this during the fruit-setting phase. After fruiting, apply additional fertilizer when the fruits reach about 500 g, using 20 kg of urea per acre. Avoid watering on rainy days, and during high heat and dry weather, irrigate with running water every 5–7 days. Once the vines start to run, train them properly. When the main vine produces a stout side vine, allow it to grow and press it down when it reaches 0.5 meters in length. Ensure the vines in adjacent rows grow toward each other without crossing. Usually, two vines are kept per plant, with one fruit per vine. The first 2–4 female flowers on the main vine are ideal for fruiting. If the plant has sufficient nutrients, an extra fruit can be retained on the side vines. For pollination, collect male flowers around 7:00 am and transfer their pollen to the female stigmas using a brush or directly. Complete artificial pollination before 10:00 am. Alternatively, introduce bees during the flowering period for natural pollination. After the fruits are set, protect them by placing grass under the melons to prevent rotting. During high temperatures, cover the melons to avoid sunburn and implement effective pest control measures.
5. Seed selection occurs in two stages. First, select melons that weigh about 500 g and exhibit the typical characteristics of the variety, ensuring robust and healthy plants. Remove any sterile, diseased, or weak plants. A second selection is made when the melons are fully mature, which usually takes about 40 days after fruiting. During the production process, mark open female flowers when 50%–60% of them are open. Harvest the melons 40 days after marking, based on their maturity. Cut the leaves before they turn yellow or wither. After harvesting, store the melons in a cool, dry place and allow them to cure for 15 days. Once the seeds are mature, they can be harvested.
6. Seed collection, drying, and storage require attention to detail. Choose seeds from melons with thick flesh and small cavities in the center. After removing the seeds, rinse them thoroughly until all mucus is gone. Avoid using iron containers to prevent discoloration. Do not expose the seeds directly to sunlight on cement floors; instead, spread them on bamboo mats for even drying. On the first day, only dry the outer layer of the seed coat to avoid cracking due to over-drying. Do not pile the seeds until they are fully dry. Store the dried seeds in a cool, dry place. Through several years of practical experience, this method has increased average seed yield to 25 kg per acre, with a maximum of up to 40 kg per acre.
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