A planting method for improving the quality of watermelon

Abstract

This invention belongs to the field of agricultural planting technology, specifically relating to a planting method for improving watermelon quality. During the seedling stage of watermelon, a first exogenous substance is sprayed onto the leaves, comprising a solution of S-inducer and melatonin. During the flowering and fruit-setting stage, a second exogenous substance is sprayed onto the leaves. During the fruit expansion stage, another second exogenous substance is sprayed onto the leaves. The second exogenous substance comprises brassinolide and mixture A, where mixture A includes at least one of S-inducer and melatonin solution. Compared with conventional planting methods, soluble solids, total soluble sugars, reducing sugars, soluble proteins, vitamin C, and lycopene are all significantly increased, improving watermelon quality without reducing yield.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of agricultural planting technology, and specifically relates to a planting method for improving the quality of watermelons. Background Technology

[0002] Watermelon is an important economic crop in my country and globally. Watermelon production areas are widespread throughout my country, with each region possessing its own unique varieties and cultivation methods. For example, in arid watermelon-producing areas of northern China, drought-resistant cultivation and soil water conservation techniques can be used to increase yields and cope with drought stress. However, with rising living standards, people are placing higher demands on watermelon quality. Watermelon production is shifting from prioritizing quantity to prioritizing quality and profitability, keeping pace with consumer needs. Watermelon quality is primarily determined by variety and cultivation techniques; however, the breeding of new watermelon varieties mainly relies on conventional hybridization, which is not only time-consuming but also makes it difficult to achieve a combination of high quality and multiple resistances. Therefore, it is necessary to research new watermelon cultivation methods to improve watermelon quality. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Based on this, this application provides a planting method to improve the quality of watermelons, in order to solve the technical problems in the prior art.

[0004] The technical solution to the above-mentioned technical problems in this application is as follows: A method for improving watermelon quality involves spraying a first exogenous substance onto the leaves during the seedling stage of the watermelon, the first exogenous substance comprising an S-inducer and a melatonin solution; spraying a second exogenous substance onto the leaves during the flowering and fruit setting stage of the watermelon; and spraying a second exogenous substance onto the leaves again during the fruit expansion stage of the watermelon. The second exogenous substance comprises brassinolide and a mixture A, wherein the mixture A comprises at least one of an S-inducer and a melatonin solution. Preferably, in the above-mentioned method for improving watermelon quality, the spraying amount of the first exogenous substance is 5 to 10 ml / plant, wherein the first exogenous substance is obtained through the following method: Obtain an S-inducer solution with a concentration of 0.5 g / L to 1 g / L and a melatonin solution with a concentration of 0.5 g / L to 1 g / L, and mix the S-inducer solution and the melatonin solution at a volume ratio of 1:(1 to 2) to prepare the first exogenous substance.

[0005] Preferably, in the above-mentioned method for improving watermelon quality, the second exogenous substance includes at least two of the following: S-inducer at a concentration of 0.5 g / L to 1 g / L, melatonin solution at a concentration of 0.5 g / L to 1 g / L, and brassinolide at a concentration of 0.2 g / L to 0.5 g / L.

[0006] Preferably, in the above-mentioned method for improving watermelon quality, the second exogenous substance includes brassinolide and S-inducer, wherein the volume ratio of brassinolide to S-inducer is 1:(1 to 10).

[0007] Preferably, in the above-mentioned method for improving watermelon quality, the second exogenous substance includes brassinolide and melatonin solution, wherein the volume ratio of brassinolide and melatonin solution is 1:(1 to 10).

[0008] Preferably, in the above-mentioned method for improving watermelon quality, the second exogenous substance includes brassinolide, S-inducer and melatonin solution, wherein the volume ratio of brassinolide, S-inducer and melatonin solution is 1:(1 to 3):(1 to 3).

[0009] Preferably, in the above-mentioned planting method for improving watermelon quality, the amount of the second exogenous substance sprayed during the flowering and fruit setting period of the watermelon is 15 to 30 ml per plant.

[0010] Preferably, in the above-mentioned planting method for improving watermelon quality, the amount of the second exogenous substance sprayed during the watermelon expansion period is 15 to 30 ml per plant.

[0011] Compared with the prior art, this application has at least the following advantages: This application discloses a cultivation method for improving watermelon quality. During the seedling stage, a first exogenous substance is sprayed onto the leaves, comprising an S-inducer and a melatonin solution. During the flowering and fruit-setting stage, a second exogenous substance is sprayed onto the leaves. During the fruit expansion stage, another second exogenous substance is sprayed onto the leaves. The second exogenous substance comprises brassinolide and a mixture A, wherein mixture A comprises at least one of S-inducer and melatonin solution. When the first exogenous substance is sprayed during the seedling stage, and simultaneously the second exogenous substance is sprayed during the flowering and fruit-setting stage (i.e., an S-inducer and / or melatonin solution + brassinolide sprayed at T13 to T15), the quality of the watermelon is significantly improved. Furthermore, when the second exogenous substance is sprayed simultaneously during the fruit expansion stage, the quality of the watermelon is further improved. Compared with conventional planting methods, the average increase in central soluble solids was 1.97 percentage points, representing an increase rate of 18.78%; the average increase in total soluble sugar was 14.06 mg / g; the average increase in reducing sugar was 7.40 mg / g; the average increase in soluble protein was 0.15 mg / g; the average increase in vitamin C was 0.026 mg / g; and the average increase in lycopene was 0.12 mg / g. Detailed Implementation

[0012] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in the embodiments of this invention can be combined with each other. The technical solutions of this invention will be further described below in conjunction with the embodiments of this invention, and this invention is not limited to the specific implementation methods described below.

[0013] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used in this specification is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of this application. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0014] In one specific embodiment of this application, a method for improving watermelon quality is disclosed, comprising spraying a first exogenous substance onto the leaves during the seedling stage of the watermelon, the first exogenous substance comprising an S-inducer and a melatonin solution; spraying a second exogenous substance onto the leaves during the flowering and fruit setting stage of the watermelon; and spraying a second exogenous substance onto the leaves during the fruit expansion stage of the watermelon; the second exogenous substance comprises brassinolide and a mixture A, wherein the mixture A comprises at least one of an S-inducer and a melatonin solution. In this application, S-abscisic acid (ABA), also known as abscisic acid, is an endogenous plant hormone with a sesquiterpene structure. S-abscisic acid is a plant growth homeostasis factor, a naturally occurring product found in all green plants, sensitive to light, and a photodegradable compound. This hormone is named for its ability to promote leaf abscission and induce dormancy in plants. The mechanism of action of ABA typically involves three key steps: synthesis and metabolism, transport, and signal recognition. ABA is an important plant hormone widely found in higher plants, playing a significant regulatory role in plant growth, development, and stress responses. S-abscisic acid participates in various physiological processes such as seed germination, plant growth and development, and fruit formation and ripening. Melatonin (MT) is an indole heterocyclic compound secreted by the pineal gland. Studies have shown that melatonin is widely present in both plants and animals, and plays an important role in plants as a novel growth regulator. It participates in regulating various physiological processes in plants, including seed germination, root development, leaf senescence, and fruit development. It also enhances plant tolerance to adverse environmental conditions, playing a crucial role in plant responses to abiotic stress. As an important antioxidant, melatonin can scavenge free radicals, thereby protecting plants from oxidative stress. Brassinolide (BR), also known as brassinosteroid, is a class of sterol hormones. BR is widely found in plant organs such as pollen, seeds, stems, and leaves, exhibiting significant physiological activity, with efficacy far exceeding that of the five existing classes of plant hormones. Therefore, it is internationally recognized as a highly efficient, broad-spectrum, and non-toxic plant growth regulator. The brassinolide in this application is preferably 24-brassinolide.

[0015] In this application, the first exogenous substance includes an S-inducer and a melatonin solution, and the second exogenous substance includes brassinolide and mixture A, wherein mixture A includes at least one of S-inducer and melatonin solution. That is, the second exogenous substance includes brassinolide + S-inducer and / or melatonin solution. Experiments show that spraying the first exogenous substance only during the seedling stage has little impact on watermelon quality; spraying the second exogenous substance only during the flowering and fruit setting stage also has little impact on watermelon quality; and spraying the second exogenous substance only during the fruit expansion stage has almost no impact on watermelon quality. However, when the first exogenous substance is sprayed during the seedling stage, and the second exogenous substance is sprayed simultaneously during the flowering and fruit setting stage (i.e., S-inducer and / or melatonin + brassinolide sprayed from T13 to T15), the quality of the watermelon is significantly improved. Furthermore, when the second exogenous substance is sprayed simultaneously during the fruit expansion stage, the quality of the watermelon is further improved, while the yield is not reduced. This indicates that spraying exogenous substances during the seedling, flowering and fruit setting, and / or fruit expansion stages has a synergistic and promoting effect on improving watermelon quality.

[0016] Furthermore, the application rate of the first exogenous substance is 5 to 10 ml per plant, wherein the first exogenous substance is obtained through the following method: Obtain an S-inducer solution with a concentration of 0.5 g / L to 1 g / L and a melatonin solution with a concentration of 0.5 g / L to 1 g / L, and mix the S-inducer solution and the melatonin solution at a volume ratio of 1:(1 to 2) to prepare the first exogenous substance.

[0017] Further, the second exogenous substance includes at least two of the following: S-inducer at a concentration of 0.5 g / L to 1 g / L, melatonin solution at a concentration of 0.5 g / L to 1 g / L, and brassinolide at a concentration of 0.2 g / L to 0.5 g / L.

[0018] Preferably, the second exogenous substance comprises brassinolide and S-inducer, wherein the volume ratio of brassinolide to S-inducer is 1:(1 to 10). In another embodiment, the second exogenous substance comprises brassinolide and melatonin solution, wherein the volume ratio of brassinolide to melatonin solution is 1:(1 to 10).

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the second exogenous substance comprises S-inducer, melatonin solution and brassinolide, wherein the volume ratio of S-inducer, melatonin solution and brassinolide is 1:(1 to 3):(1 to 3).

[0020] Furthermore, during the flowering and fruit-setting period of watermelons, the amount of the second exogenous substance sprayed is 15 to 30 ml per plant.

[0021] In another embodiment, during the fruit expansion stage of watermelon, the amount of the second exogenous substance applied is 15 to 30 ml per plant.

[0022] The technical solution and effects of the present invention will be further illustrated below through specific embodiments.

[0023] 1. Materials and Methods 1.1 Test Site The experimental area is located in Shenjing Village, Xiangshan Township, Xingren Town, Shapotou District, Zhongwei City, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region (36°43′N, 105°43′E), situated in the central arid region with an average altitude of 1663 m. It experiences low rainfall and high evaporation, with an average annual evaporation of approximately 2024 mm and an average annual rainfall of approximately 198 mm, exhibiting a temperate continental arid climate. The soil type is typical sandy loam, with a pH of 8.45 and a total soil salinity of 0.70 g·kg⁻¹. -1 Organic matter 6.60 g·kg -1 Total nitrogen 0.60 g·kg -1 Total phosphorus 0.67 g·kg -1 Total potassium 20.8 g·kg -1 Alkaline nitrogen uptake 32.50 mg·kg -1 Available phosphorus 9.30 mg·kg -1 150.90 mg / kg of readily available potassium -1 .

[0024] 1.2 Test Materials The watermelon variety tested was Ningnongke 12.

[0025] Melatonin: 99%, BASF Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Hefei; S-inducer: 90%, Sichuan Guoguang Agrochemical Co., Ltd.; 24-Brassinolide: 0.01%, Sichuan Guoguang Agrochemical Co., Ltd.

[0026] 1.3 Experimental Design The first phase of the experiment was conducted in 2023, with planting on April 20th. Grafting cultivation under sand-covered mulch was adopted, with a planting density of 5250 plants per hectare. －2 Other field management practices are the same as local customs.

[0027] The timing for spraying the first exogenous substance during the seedling stage is as follows: for watermelon seedlings that have developed to the four-leaf and one-heart stage, the spraying amount is 10ml / plant, including 4ml of S-inducer (ABA) 0.8g / L and 6ml of melatonin (MT) 0.8g / L.

[0028] The timing for spraying the second exogenous substance during the flowering and fruit setting period is 3 to 5 days after flowering and pollination, with a spraying amount of 25 ml / plant; including S-inducer (ABA) 0.8 g / L, melatonin (MT) 0.8 g / L, and brassinolide (BR) 0.3 g / L.

[0029] The timing for spraying the second exogenous substance during the fruit expansion period is 10 to 20 days after fruit set, with a spraying amount of 25 ml per plant.

[0030] The experiment included 16 treatments: CK1: control group, no exogenous substance applied; T1: seedling stage treated with the first exogenous substance; T2: flowering and fruit setting stage treated with 25 ml of ABA; T3: flowering and fruit setting stage treated with 25 ml of MT; T4: flowering and fruit setting stage treated with 25 ml of BR; T5: flowering and fruit setting stage treated with 12 ml of ABA + 13 ml of MT; T6: flowering and fruit setting stage treated with 5 ml of BR + 20 ml of ABA; T7: flowering and fruit setting stage treated with 5 ml of BR + 20 ml of MT; T8: flowering and fruit setting stage treated with 5 ml of BR + 10 ml of ABA + 10 ml of MT; T9: T1 + T2; T10: T1 + T3; T11: T1 + T4; T12: T1 + T5; T13: T1 + T6; T14: T1 + T7; T15: T1 + T8. Each treatment was replicated three times, with a plot size of 32 m². 2 .

[0031] Table 1 Phase I Trial Design

[0032] 1.4 Measurement Items and Methods During the watermelon ripening period, 10 representative watermelons with uniform growth were randomly selected from each plot to measure the weight of a single watermelon, and the number of watermelons produced in each plot was counted. Then, the yield was calculated. Each treatment was replicated three times.

[0033] The soluble solids content in the center and edge of watermelon fruits was determined using a handheld refractometer.

[0034] Lycopene content: determined by spectrophotometry.

[0035] Total soluble sugar content: determined by anthrone colorimetric method.

[0036] Reducing sugar content: determined by the 3,5-dinitrosalicylic acid method.

[0037] Soluble protein content: determined by Coomassie Brilliant Blue G-250 staining method.

[0038] Vitamin C content: determined by spectrophotometry.

[0039] 1.5 Experimental Results Table 2. Experimental Data for Phase I

[0040] The above experimental results show that, when the first exogenous substance (T1) was sprayed only during the seedling stage, the soluble solids, total soluble sugars, and reducing sugars in watermelons increased to a certain extent compared to CK1, but there was no significant difference in nutrients (soluble protein, vitamin C, and lycopene).

[0041] When T2 to T4 were sprayed with one of the second exogenous substances during the flowering and fruit setting period, there were no significant changes in the soluble solids, total soluble sugars, reducing sugars, and nutrients in the watermelon. This indicates that spraying only one of brassinolide, S-inducer, and melatonin during the flowering and fruit setting period has little impact on the quality of the watermelon.

[0042] For watermelons T5 to T8, two or three of the second exogenous substances were sprayed during the flowering and fruit setting period. T5, sprayed with S-inducer and melatonin, showed only a significant increase in total soluble sugar and reducing sugar compared to CK1, while soluble protein and lycopene decreased. For T6 to T8, sprayed with S-inducer and / or melatonin + brassinolide, a significant increase in soluble solids, total soluble sugar, and reducing sugar compared to CK1 was observed, along with a certain increase in soluble protein. This indicates that the addition of brassinolide played a positive role in improving watermelon quality.

[0043] T9 to T15 involved spraying the first exogenous substance during the seedling stage and simultaneously spraying at least one of the second exogenous substances during the flowering and fruit-setting stages. It can be seen that, among T9 to T11, while the content of soluble solids increased with the S-inducer, melatonin, or brassinolide sprayed during the flowering and fruit-setting stages, some other substances increased while others decreased. T12, with its S-inducer and melatonin sprayed during the flowering and fruit-setting stages, showed some improvement in various quality indicators compared to T9 to T11, but was still inferior to T13 to T15. The application of S-inducer and / or melatonin + brassinolide from T13 to T15 showed a significant increase in all components. Compared with CK1, the average increase in central soluble solids was 1.4 percentage points, representing an increase of 12.10%; the average increase in total soluble sugars was 11.92 mg / g; the average increase in reducing sugars was 5.91 mg / g; the average increase in soluble protein was 0.12 mg / g; the average increase in vitamin C was 0.024 mg / g; and the average increase in lycopene was 0.05 mg / g.

[0044] 2.1 Second Phase Experiment The second phase of the experiment was conducted in 2024, with planting on April 22. Other experimental settings were the same as the first phase.

[0045] The experiment included 6 treatments: CK2: control group, no exogenous substances were sprayed; T16: ABA 5ml + MT 20ml was sprayed during the fruit expansion stage; T17: ABA 5ml + BR 20ml was sprayed during the fruit expansion stage; T18: ABA 5ml + MT 10ml + BR 10ml was sprayed during the fruit expansion stage; T19: T15 + T16; T20: T15 + T17; T21: T15 + T18.

[0046] The first exogenous substance was sprayed during the seedling stage, the second exogenous substance during the flowering and fruit setting stage, and the third exogenous substance during the fruit expansion stage. Each treatment was replicated three times, with a plot area of ​​32m². 2 .

[0047] The timing for spraying the first exogenous substance during the seedling stage is as follows: for watermelon seedlings that have developed to the four-leaf and one-heart stage, the spraying amount is 10ml / plant, including 4ml of S-inducer (ABA) 0.8g / L and 6ml of melatonin (MT) 0.8g / L.

[0048] The timing for spraying the second exogenous substance during the flowering and fruit setting period is 3 to 5 days after flowering and pollination, with a spraying amount of 25 ml / plant.

[0049] The timing for spraying the second exogenous substance during the fruit expansion period is 10 to 20 days after fruit set, with a spraying amount of 60 ml per plant.

[0050] Table 3. Phase II Experimental Design

[0051] 2.2 The measurement items and methods are the same as those in the first phase of the experiment. 2.3 Experimental Results Table 4. Data from Phase II Experiments

[0052] As shown in the table above, spraying the second exogenous substance (T16 to T18) only during the fruit expansion stage did not significantly change the soluble solids, total soluble sugar, reducing sugar, and nutrients in watermelons, and had little impact on watermelon quality. However, spraying the first exogenous substance during the seedling stage, and simultaneously spraying the second exogenous substance (T19 to T21) during the flowering, fruit setting, and fruit expansion stages, significantly improved the quality of watermelons. Compared with the control group CK2 using the conventional planting method, the average increase in central soluble solids was 1.97 percentage points, representing an increase rate of 18.78%; the average increase in total soluble sugar was 14.06 mg / g; the average increase in reducing sugar was 7.40 mg / g; the average increase in soluble protein was 0.15 mg / g; the average increase in vitamin C was 0.026 mg / g; and the average increase in lycopene was 0.12 mg / g.

[0053] Compared with T13 to T15 in the first phase of the experiment, the quality of watermelons has been further improved. The average increase in central soluble solids was 0.35 percentage points, with an improvement rate of 2.92%; the average increase in total soluble sugar was 1.19 mg / g; the average increase in reducing sugar was 0.50 mg / g; the average increase in soluble protein was 0.02 mg / g; and the levels of vitamin C and lycopene remained the same.

[0054] The above embodiments merely illustrate several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this patent application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for improving the quality of watermelons, characterized in that, During the seedling stage of watermelon, a first exogenous substance is sprayed onto the leaves, which includes S-inducer and melatonin solution. During the flowering and fruit-setting period of watermelons, a second exogenous substance is sprayed onto the leaves. During the fruit expansion stage of watermelons, a second exogenous substance is sprayed onto the leaves. The second exogenous substance includes brassinolide and mixture A, wherein mixture A includes at least one of S-inducer and melatonin solution.

2. The method for improving the quality of watermelon according to claim 1, wherein The first exogenous substance is sprayed at a rate of 5 to 10 ml per plant, and the first exogenous substance is obtained through the following method: Obtain an S-inducer solution with a concentration of 0.5 g / L to 1 g / L and a melatonin solution with a concentration of 0.5 g / L to 1 g / L, and mix the S-inducer solution and the melatonin solution at a volume ratio of 1:(1 to 2) to prepare the first exogenous substance.

3. The method for improving the quality of watermelon according to claim 1, wherein The second exogenous substance includes at least two of the following: S-inducer at a concentration of 0.5 g / L to 1 g / L, melatonin solution at a concentration of 0.5 g / L to 1 g / L, and brassinolide at a concentration of 0.2 g / L to 0.5 g / L.

4. The method for improving the quality of watermelon according to claim 3, wherein The second exogenous substance includes brassinolide and S-inducer, wherein the volume ratio of brassinolide to S-inducer is 1:(1 to 10).

5. The method for improving watermelon quality as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The second exogenous substance includes brassinolide and melatonin solution, wherein the volume ratio of brassinolide and melatonin solution is 1:(1 to 10).

6. The method for improving watermelon quality as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The second exogenous substance includes brassinolide, S-inducer and melatonin solution, wherein the volume ratio of brassinolide, S-inducer and melatonin solution is 1:(1 to 3):(1 to 3).

7. The method for improving watermelon quality as described in claim 3, characterized in that, During the flowering and fruit-setting period of watermelons, the amount of the second exogenous substance sprayed is 15 to 30 ml per plant.

8. The method for improving watermelon quality as described in claim 3, characterized in that, During the fruit expansion stage of watermelon, the application rate of the second exogenous substance is 15 to 30 ml per plant.

Images