Pruning Method of Melon Production in Sunny Greenhouse During Winter-spring Season

Effects of pruning methods on maturity,yield,quality and marketable quality of melon,growing in sunny greenhouse during winter-spring season,were studied using four pruning methods.Single stem pruning without trellis had earliest maturity,3 days earlier than single stem pruning and trellising and double stem without trellising,and 8 days earlier than 3 stem pruning without trellising.Single stem pruning with trellis produced heaviest fruit,highest yield and highest total soluble solid contents.The single stem pruning with trellising produced fruit with weight of 755 grams,335 grams heavier than the control;total yield of 2 926 kg per 667 m2,56.6% higher than that of control;and soluble solid contents of 17.5% ,2% higher than that of control.The fruit produced with the single stem and trellis treatment were shiny,uniform for color and shape,and good in flavor.We recommend the pruning method of single stem and trellis for melon production in sunny greenhouse during winter-spring season for high yield and profit.