Pruning is a crucial technique in melon cultivation and plays a vital role in achieving successful harvests. Due to the weak growth of main vines and strong development of lateral vines, especially in thin-skinned melons, vine management becomes essential. In practice, techniques like topping, pruning, and pinching are commonly used to regulate vine growth, encourage early fruiting, and accelerate maturity. Here are three effective pruning methods that farmers can apply in their melon production.
**Double Vine Pruning**: This method is ideal for greenhouse or hanging vine cultivation. The process begins when the main vine has two to three leaves and a growing tip. Two side shoots are retained at the base, and each vine is allowed to bear one melon. Before the fruit sets, two side branches (known as "sun man") are left on each vine. Each vine is then topped after three leaves, ensuring an average of 7–9 functional leaves to support fruit development. Each vine can carry up to four melons, resulting in a total of eight melons per plant.
**Triple Vine Pruning**: This approach is suitable for open fields and protected areas where hanging vines are not used. When the main stem reaches three to four leaves, three vigorous side vines are selected. The first vine is allowed to produce a melon at the third leaf, the second at the second leaf, and the third at the first leaf. Each vine is pruned to leave 3–4 side branches and three leaves after the tip is removed. The entire plant maintains three main vines, with over 50 leaves in total, and each melon has 17–20 functional leaves, which ensures sufficient photosynthesis for fruit development and sugar accumulation.
**Four Vine Pruning**: Similar to triple vine pruning, this method is also used in open fields and protected areas. It involves retaining four strong side vines from the fourth to fifth leaf stage. The first vine produces a melon at the fourth leaf, the second at the third, the third at the second, and the fourth at the first. Each vine is pruned to leave 3–4 side branches and three leaves after the tip is removed. The plant ends up with four melons in total, providing a balanced distribution of energy for fruit growth.
**Important Notes**: Pruning should be done after the morning dew has dried to promote faster wound healing and reduce the risk of infection. Use clean, sharp scissors and disinfect them with a 75% chlorothalonil solution diluted 200 times. Always prepare a damp cloth to wipe the blades between cuts to prevent cross-contamination. Proper pruning not only improves yield but also enhances fruit quality and uniform ripening.
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