The melon (Cucumis melo L.) is an annual herbaceous plant belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family. The root system of melon is less extensive than that of watermelon. Flowering in melon commences 30-50 days after emergence, depending on the variety and growing conditions. The fruits vary in size and color and mature 60-120 days after emergence, depending on the variety and growing conditions. The seeds are ellipsoid in shape and yellow or white in color.
The melon is sensitive to low temperature. At temperatures below 15˚C, no germination occurs. The optimum growth temperature is 28-30˚C. The crop is particularly temperature sensitive during fruiting and fruit ripening. Cool and cloudy weather adversely affects the growth and crop formation.
The melon is tolerant to soil and air drought. However, like the watermelon, it shows particularly high water requirements at the initial developmental stages. Melons are very sensitive to soil structure and fertility. The best results have been obtained in readily warmed up, permeable, light loam soils with a high nutrient status.
Growing tips
The best preceding crops are grain legumes, onions and root crops. Planting takes place when the soil warms up to 14-15˚C at a depth of 10 cm. The planting pattern is 150-200 x 50-60 cm. The depth of seeding is 3-4 cm. The seeding rate is 1,5-2,0 g per 10 m2 (1,5-2,0 kg/ha). With autumn plowing, humus is applied at a rate of 20-30 kg per 10 m2 (20-30 ton/ha) in combination with mineral fertilizers: 900 g superphosphate and 250 g potassium salt per 10 m2 (P2O5 180 and K2O 100 kg active substance per hectare). Ammonium nitrate is applied in several steps as supplementary fertilizing in amounts of 300 g per 10 m2 (N 100 kg active substance per hectare). Application of fertilizers results in higher yields and in fruits ripening 5-10 days earlier. Moreover, the fruits exhibit better eating qualities and higher sugar content.
The yield is increased considerably with 3 to 4 irrigations per growing season. Such pests as cotton aphid, spider mite and thrips attack the melon.
Control measures: insecticide sprays such as Sumi-alpha, Zolone, Karate, Fastac or other insecticides can be used to control these pests.
The most important diseases are Downy mildew, Anthracnose, Bacteriosis and Powdery mildew. The fungicides Bayleton, Topsin M and sulfur preparations can be used to control powdery mildew. Downy mildew, bacteriosis and anthracnose can be controlled with Cuproxat, copper oxychloride, Sandofan M8, Acrobat MC and similar preparations.