Cultivation of Melons

Nutritional Value

Melons are low in calories and rich in:

• Vitamins: Vitamin C, Vitamin A (beta-carotene in muskmelons), Vitamin B6.
• Minerals: Potassium, magnesium.
• Antioxidants: Lycopene (in watermelons).
• High water content (90-92%), making them hydrating.

Muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.)

Origin and Distribution

• Origin: India, Iran, and Africa are considered the centers of origin.
• Distribution: Widely grown in tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, Africa, and America.
• Leading producers: China, India, USA, and Turkey.

Climate

• Muskmelon requires a warm-season climate.
• Optimal temperature for growth: 25-30°C.
• Sensitive to frost and high humidity.
• Requires plenty of sunshine during fruiting for proper sugar development.

Soil Requirements

• Prefers well-drained, sandy loam soils with high organic matter.
• Soil pH: 6.0-7.5.
• Avoid waterlogged and heavy clay soils to prevent root rot.

Improved Varieties

• Pusa Sharbati: Sweet, aromatic fruits.
• Punjab Hybrid: Early maturing.
• Arka Jeet: Tolerant to downy mildew and powdery mildew.
• Hara Madhu: Popular variety with high sweetness.

Cultivation Practices

Time of Sowing

• North India: February-March.
• South and Central India: Sown year-round with irrigation.

Seed Rate

• Seed requirement: 0.5-1 kg/ha.

Land Preparation

• Plow the field thoroughly to achieve a fine tilth.
• Add 15-20 tonnes of FYM/ha during the last plowing.

Sowing and Spacing

• Sown directly or raised in nurseries and transplanted.
• Spacing:
  • Row-to-row: 2-3 m.
  • Plant-to-plant: 60-90 cm.

Fertilizer Requirements

• FYM: 15-20 tonnes/ha.
• NPK: Apply 60-80 kg N, 40 kg P₂O₅, and 40 kg K₂O/ha.
  • Apply half nitrogen at planting and the rest during flowering.

Irrigation

• Requires frequent irrigation, especially during germination and flowering.
• Avoid water stagnation.
• Reduce watering as fruits mature to improve sweetness.

Weed Management

• Perform manual weeding during the initial growth stages.
• Use mulches to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.

Harvesting

• Harvest when fruits emit a characteristic musky aroma and the netting on the rind is well-developed.
• Fruits are ready 75-90 days after sowing.
• Yield: 20-25 tonnes/ha.

Physiological Disorders

• Blossom End Rot: Due to calcium deficiency or uneven watering.
• Fruit Cracking: Caused by irregular irrigation or excessive nitrogen.

Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus)

Origin and Distribution

• Origin: Africa, particularly the Kalahari region.
• Distribution: Grown globally in tropical and subtropical regions.
• Leading producers: China, India, Turkey, and Brazil.

Climate

• Watermelon thrives in hot and dry climates.
• Ideal temperature: 25-35°C.
• Needs 80-100 frost-free days for proper growth.

Soil Requirements

• Prefers well-drained sandy loam soils with high organic content.
• Soil pH: 6.0-7.5.
• Avoid saline and waterlogged soils.

Improved Varieties

• Sugar Baby: Sweet, small-sized fruits.
• Arka Manik: High sweetness (TSS ~12%), resistant to major pests and diseases.
• Arka Jyoti: Early-maturing.
• Punjab Kesar: Suitable for arid zones.

Cultivation Practices

Time of Sowing

• North India: February-March.
• South and West India: Grown almost year-round.

Seed Rate Seed requirement: 2-3 kg/ha.

Land Preparation

• Prepare the field with thorough plowing and leveling.
• Add 20-25 tonnes of FYM/ha during land preparation.

Sowing and Spacing

• Seeds are sown directly into the field.
• Spacing:
  • Row-to-row: 3-4 m.
  • Plant-to-plant: 50-90 cm.

Fertilizer Requirements

• FYM: 20-25 tonnes/ha.
• NPK: Apply 50-60 kg N, 40 kg P₂O₅, and 30-40 kg K₂O/ha.
  • Nitrogen is split into two doses: half at planting, half at the vegetative stage.

Irrigation

• Watermelons need frequent irrigation, particularly during flowering and fruit setting.
• Reduce irrigation during ripening to enhance sweetness.
• Avoid over-irrigation to prevent fruit cracking.

Weed Management

• Manual weeding and mulching with organic or plastic sheets help control weeds.

Harvesting

• Harvest when the fruit gives a dull sound on tapping and the tendrils near the fruit dry up.
• Fruits are ready 80-100 days after sowing.
• Yield: 25-40 tonnes/ha.

Physiological Disorders

• Hollow Heart: Due to uneven growth or poor pollination.
• Sunscald: Caused by prolonged exposure of fruits to direct sunlight.

Pest and Disease Management (Common for Melons)

1. Pests:
   • Aphids: Use neem-based insecticides or systemic insecticides.
   • Fruit Flies: Apply bait sprays and destroy affected fruits.
2. Diseases:
   • Downy Mildew: Use resistant varieties and spray fungicides like Mancozeb.
   • Powdery Mildew: Apply Sulphur-based fungicides or Potassium bicarbonate