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1、Seedless Watermelon Transplant Production GuidelinesDr. Richard L. Hassell Clemson University Coastal Research and Education Center Charleston, South Carolina Rhasselclemson.eduDr. Jonathan R. Schultheis North Carolina State University Department of Horticultural Science Raleigh, North Carolina jona
2、than_schultheisncsu.eduTable of ContentsH Introduction H Seed Trays H Soil Mixes H Tray Preparation H Seeding H Germination Chambers H Greenhouse GrowingIntroductionHTriploid (seedless) watermelon seed have more exact growing requirements than diploid (seeded) watermelonHFailure to provide optimum g
3、rowing practicescan result in:reduced seed germination uneven seed germination and transplant size leggy/elongated transplants weaker plants resulting in yield reductionTransplant production requirements are more precise with seedless watermelons than seeded watermelons. Note the reduced plant emerg
4、ence and variable plant size in the transplant tray with a seedless variety (right) compared with the more complete uniform plant size in the transplant tray with a seeded variety (left) 5 days after sowing.Diploid or seeded cultivarTriploid or seedless cultivarSeed TraysHChoose trays that fit your
5、particular set up andare economically feasible for your operationHUse square cells when ever possibleHMake sure cell depth is at least 2”HRemember, the smaller the cell diameter, the more attention to plant production is needed! Timely response to plant need is critical!Choose trays that fit your pa
6、rticular set upand are economically feasible for your operationStyrofoam “Speedling” grow tray - clean and re-useNo. 242 cell trayTray Dimensions: 13.5” x 26.5”Cell Dimensions: 2” Deep 1” squareStyrofoam “Speedling” grow trays for re-useRegardless of tray type, it is critical that the tray is disinf
7、ected/ treated with chloroxRigid plastic tray suitable for re-use after sterilizationRe-usable Plastic TrayTray Dimensions: 13.5” x 26.5”Cell Dimensions: 2” Deep 1.25” squareTLC #128 trayTray Dimensions: 11” x 21.5”Cell Dimensions 2” Depth 1.19” SquareUse square cells when ever possibleRound cells c
8、ause root girdlingRemember, the smaller the cell diameter, the more attention to overall plant needs must be considered!#288 Tray - Tray dimension 11” x 21.5” cell size -1.5” deep X .81” squareSoil MixesH Choose as coarse a mix as possible for the tray chosen. (Examples are: Metro-Mix 300, Fafard Pr
9、ofessional No 2, Pro-Mix BX)H Do not use a plug mix! -Plug mixes are too fine. -A fine mix makes it easy to over water making less oxygen available to the rootsSoil mixes come in all makes and sizesSoil mix ingredients may vary greatly in their contentTray Preparation1. Fill trays 24 hours before se
10、eding.2. Wet trays to field capacity.3. Let trays stand 24 hours before seeding to drain excess water.4. If warm water is not available, place trays in area where temperatures of the mix are at least 850F before seeding.Fill trays 24 hours before seedingWet trays to field capacity and let stand 24 h
11、oursbefore seeding to drain excess waterIf warm water is not available, place trays in area where soil mix temperature reaches at least 850F before seedingSeeding1. Place seeds at least one inch deep, preferably with the radicle end pointed up.2. Cover tray with warm, moist mix or pinch thearea clos
12、ed around the seed.3. DO NOT ADD WATER TO THE MOISTENED MIX!4. Place trays back in the warm germination room ASAP!Seeding5. Stacking trays OK as long as air movementaround trays is provided.6. Remove trays after 48 hours (NOT 49!) - seed examination not necessary. (more than 48 hours will cause exce
13、ssive hypocotyl growth).*If seedlings have visibly started to emerge youre too late!SeedingSeeders vary in shape, size, and capabilitiesPlace seeds at least one inch deepRadicle end pointed up if possibleCover tray with warm, moist mix or pinch thearea closed around the seedDO NOT ADD WATER TO THE M
14、OISTENED MIX AFTER SEEDING!Place seeded trays back in the warm germination roomStacking trays is permissible with air movement around themAir circulationAir circulationGermination ChambersHNo single perfect designHTemperature and humidity controlHMoisture is maintained by a fog systemHShelves to pla
15、ce the traysHBest temperature control is by hot water pipes along baseboards“Home-made” germination chamberTemperature ControlsInsulated SidewallsCommercial vegetable cooler converted to germ roomHeater and controlsUniform humidity controls is a must no matter what the size of chamber chosen!Germina
16、tion Conditions Seed Germination Takes Place In Two Stages A. When The Root Emerges (Germ Rooms Only) B. When The Hook Appears (Greenhouse Only) Uniform Soil Temperature In Germ Room Must Be Maintained A. Seedless Need 850FGermination Conditions Germination Dependent On Moisture A. Too Much Inhibits Oxygen B. Too Little Prevents Seed SwellApply A Cover Of Vermiculite, Plug Media, Sand, PerliteExcellent se
