Melon is the fruit especially known for their high water content and muskmelon no exception. This is one of the many fruits which you must consume in hot days and peculiarly in summer days. Muskmelon is one of those fruits which help you overcome dehydration thanks to his excellent water retention capability.
It takes some effort to grow the muskmelon. The work payoff with a delicious harvest. If you had success it will be easy enough for you to grow muskmelon. Climate and soil are the main good example of Muskmelon husbandry.
Muskmelon Cultivation Guide
CLIMATE & SOIL REQUIREMENT
Muskmelon plant flourishes well under warm climate and cannot tolerate frost. The optimum temperature for germination of the seed is 27 degree Celsius - 30 degree Celsius with an increase in temperature. Dry weather with clear sunshine during ripening ensure a high sugar content, better flavours and a high percentage of marketable fruits. High humidity increases the incidence of diseases, particularly those affecting foliage. Cool nights and warm days are ideal for the accumulation of sugar in the fruits. Lighter soil which warms up quickly in spring are usually utilized for early yield and in heavier soils, the vine growth will be more and fruit maturity will be delayed.
HYBRIDS
Its vines are vigorous and dark green. The fruit is round, yellow, sutured and netted flesh is thick, orange coloured, juicy and having excellent flavour with 12 per cent TSS. Average fruit weight is 800g. The yield is about 65q/acre.
MUSKMELON VARIETIES
Melon is delicious fruit packed with nutrition. The term 'melon' diverse in many different plants belong to the family Cucurbitaceae. This fruit contains vitamin A, B6 and C, potassium and their high water content. In order to give farmers more benefit, the Punjab Agricultural university developed a better variety of Muskmelon which is known as Hara Madhu. Here are some well-known varieties in India.
PUNJAB SUNEHRI
This variety has medium vine growth. The fruit weighs about 700-800g and is globular round with its rind intensely netted and light brown. It has thick orange flesh and is medium in juiciness.
HARA MADHU
This verity is somewhat late in maturity. The fruit is large round and slightly tapering towards the stalk end. It is very sweet. Its skin is light yellow with green sutures.
Pusa Rasraj and Durgpur Madhu, Punjab sanker and M.H 10 are also developed by the Punjab Agricultural University which is famous in India for their high yield.
AGRONOMIC PRACTICES
February is the best snowing time. However, if the crop is raised by providing a suitable mulch or any other type of cover during winter, the premium of the early market can be captured. early planting undercover would save the crop from the attack of red pumpkin beetle also.
Only 400g seeds are sufficient for one acre if careful planting on the hill by dibbing.
METHOD OF SOWING MUSKMELON
In this method pits of 60*60*45 cm are dug at a distance of 1.5 to 2.5m. Each pit filled with a mixture of soil. and 4 to 5kg of FYM is compost, 30 to 40cm. After filling the pit circular basin are made and 5 to 6 seeds are grown per basin 2 to 3m. Deep and covered with fine soil, FYM and compost.
MANURES AND FERTILIZERS
Apply 30-50 cartloads FYM at the time of soil preparation 80kg N, 40kg P, and K is recommended by PKV Akola, 1/2 dose N, Full dose of P and K should be applied at the time of snowing. Remaining half nitrogen applied one month after transplanting.
IRRIGATION
During summer, irrigation the crop every week. At the time of fruit maturity water should be given when it is absolutely necessary. In no case, water should be allowed to come in contact with fruits. Depending upon soil type and weather conditions, irrigation the field 9-11 times.
HARVESTING
The fruits of Hara Madhu should be harvested when it turns yellow. Other varieties should be picked at the mature green stage for distant marketing and at 'half slip' stage for the local market.
SEED PRODUCTION
Land should be free volunteer plants of the same crop or other crossable species. A seed crop field must be isolated all around to a minimum distance of 1000m to 500m for foundation and certified seed.
