The quality of muskmelon is related to maturity. Harvest points of mature muskmelon

Muskmelon quality is closely related to muskmelon maturity. If the fruit maturity is not enough, the sweetness is low and the aroma is insufficient, but if harvested too late, the pulp becomes soft, the flavor is poor, and the edible value is reduced. Early harvest at the right time and good economic benefits. Melons sold in general producing areas are harvested when they are 10% ripe; melons for export should be harvested 3-4 days before maturity and 8-9 days before maturity, when the harvested melons are of high hardness, resistant to storage and transportation, and have matured by the time of sale. The optimal harvest time for melons is when the sugar content reaches the highest point but the flesh of the melon has not yet softened.

Melon harvest

It fully shows the characteristics of this variety of muskmelon. Generally speaking, when the melon is ripe, the color of the peel will change. Green becomes grayish green or yellow; white becomes milky white or yellow; light green becomes white, etc. At the same time, the mature melon has a shiny skin and a clear pattern. Some varieties of melons can also give off fragrance. The furrowed varieties are obvious when they are mature. There are reticulated varieties, when the fruit surface is protruding and hardening, it marks maturity.

The change of melon stalk and melon top. Most of the muskmelons of early-maturing varieties are easy to get off their pedicels, while those of late-maturing varieties are not easy. After the melon is ripe, the hairs attached to the stalk fall off, the navel of the top of the melon begins to soften, and the detachment layer is formed around the pedicel, resulting in cracks and so on. The most suitable harvest time for muskmelon with pedicled varieties is when the cracks appear but have not yet fallen off the pedicel.

The time from flowering to maturity. The time from flowering to maturity of muskmelon varies greatly among different varieties. Thin-skinned muskmelon for 25-30 days; thick-skinned muskmelon, 35 days for early-maturing varieties and 50 days for middle-maturing varieties; when flowering and pollination, the date of pollination is marked, and the harvest time is judged according to the development period of this variety. However, the development period of general varieties of muskmelon has a range of 5-7 days, such as high-temperature cultivation, harvest can be 5-7 days in advance, low-temperature cultivation, loose pruning, high water and fertilizer conditions, especially nitrogen fertilizer, luxuriant branches and leaves. Harvest will be delayed for 5 to 7 days.