After grafting melon seedlings, proper environmental management is crucial for successful healing and growth.
1. **Temperature Control**
In the first 1–3 days post-grafting, maintaining stable temperatures is essential. During the day, keep the temperature between 23–25°C, and at night, between 20–22°C. This helps the plants adjust to their new environment without stress. After about 7 days, gradually lower the nighttime temperature to 15–18°C while keeping daytime temperatures around 23–24°C. This transition encourages strong root development and overall recovery of the grafted seedlings.
2. **Humidity Management**
Before grafting, water the seedlings thoroughly to increase both soil and air humidity. For the next 2–3 days, seal the greenhouse to maintain near-100% humidity, which is vital for wound healing. Gradually introduce ventilation over the following days, increasing airflow slowly to avoid shock. By the seventh day, normal ventilation practices can be resumed.
3. **Light Exposure**
To prevent wilting, shade the grafted seedlings for the first 3 days. Cover them with a shade cloth or similar material to block direct sunlight. After that, start removing the shade gradually—first partially, then fully. By day 10, the seedlings should be fully exposed to light, allowing them to acclimate and grow stronger.
4. **Disease Prevention**
Grafted seedlings are vulnerable to diseases due to their wounds and the high humidity environment. To prevent issues like damping-off and root rot, spray the seedlings with a 75% chlorothalonil WP solution diluted at 600 times during the healing period. This provides a protective barrier against common fungal infections.
5. **Root Removal (Scion Cut)**
Approximately 7 days after grafting, once the wound has healed, cut off the roots of the scion. This step ensures that the scion and rootstock grow as a single, unified plant. Be careful to cut as close to the graft interface as possible to minimize the risk of infection from soil pathogens. Also, removing the scion’s roots prevents unwanted adventitious roots from forming, which could weaken the graft.
6. **Pruning the Rootstock**
After grafting, regularly remove any new lateral shoots that appear on the rootstock. These shoots compete for nutrients and can reduce the vigor of the grafted plant. Removing them early helps channel energy into the scion, promoting healthier growth and better establishment of the graft.
By following these steps carefully, you can significantly improve the success rate of melon grafting and ensure strong, healthy seedlings.
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