In the production of watermelons, growers often face challenges such as poor fruit set, excessive fruiting, and deformed fruits, which can significantly lower yields and reduce the commercial value of the crop, directly impacting farmers' income. Several factors contribute to these issues:
One major cause is abnormal weather conditions during the flowering and fruit-setting stage. Extreme temperatures—whether too high or too low—and heavy rain or drought can disrupt the normal growth of the plant. These conditions may lead to weak plant development, underdeveloped ovaries, and reduced pollination. Prolonged rainy weather, in particular, hinders natural pollination, causing an imbalance between vegetative and reproductive growth. This can result in excessive vine growth, leading to a large number of small, poorly developed fruits that are hard to set and often deformed.
Improper management of fertilizers and irrigation also plays a key role. If too much nitrogen is applied without sufficient phosphorus and potassium, the plants may become overly lush, leading to flower drop or poor fruit setting. This imbalance not only reduces yield but also affects the quality of the final product.
Another issue is inadequate pollination. Watermelon flowers rely heavily on insect activity for successful pollination. However, when temperatures are low, insects are less active, reducing the chances of natural pollination. In such cases, manual pollination is essential. If this step is neglected or done improperly, it can lead to low fruit set and malformed fruits.
Lastly, a lack of understanding of specific watermelon varieties can contribute to problems. Different varieties have different growth habits and requirements. If growers do not adjust their cultivation practices accordingly, especially for large-fruited types, they may fail to implement necessary measures like controlled watering, proper fertilization, and artificial pollination. This oversight can lead to poor-quality fruits and lower marketability.
By addressing these factors through better climate adaptation, balanced nutrient management, effective pollination techniques, and proper variety-specific practices, growers can improve fruit set, reduce deformities, and ultimately increase both yield and profitability.
ZHONGSHAN G.H.L. TRADING CO., LTD. , https://www.ghltrade.com