Package of Practice for Muskmelon Cultivation

Muskmelon grows best in hot and dry climates. Germination is poor when temperatures fall below 20°C. Frost and cold weather negatively affect plant growth. High temperatures, low humidity, and plenty of sunlight contribute to better fruit sweetness and flavor development.

Package of Practice for Muskmelon Cultivation

Sowing Season

In plain regions, sowing should be done between October and the first week of March. However, mid-February is considered the most ideal time for planting.

Seed Rate and Spacing

  • Seed Rate: 1.0 kg per hectare

  • Spacing:

    • Row to Row: 200 cm

    • Plant to Plant: 60 cm

Fertilizer Application Schedule

During field preparation, apply 30–40 cartloads of well-decomposed farmyard manure (FYM) per hectare. Follow the recommended NPK (Nitrogen-Phosphorus-Potassium) schedule below:

Stage Nitrogen (N) Phosphorus (P) Potassium (K)
At Transplanting 80 kg 100 kg 100 kg
3-Leaf Stage 40 kg 0 0
Before Flowering 40 kg 0 0
Total 160 kg 100 kg 100 kg

Fertilizer Equivalents:

  • 40 kg Nitrogen = 87 kg Urea

  • 100 kg Phosphorus = 217 kg DAP

  • 100 kg Potassium = 166 kg MOP

Pest Management in Muskmelon

Aphids (Mahua)

Spray any of the following:

  • Imidacloprid (Confidor): 0.6 ml/L

  • Thiamethoxam (Actara): 0.3 gm/L

  • Metasystox: 2 ml/L

  • Monocrotophos: 15 ml/L

  • Dimethoate (Rogor): 2.5 ml/L

Leaf-Eating Caterpillars

Spray with:

  • Malathion: 2 ml/L

  • Quinalphos (Ekalux): 2 ml/L

  • Metasystox: 2 ml/L

  • Carbaryl (Sevin): 3 gm/L

Fruit Flies

  • Plow the field after harvest to expose pupae to sunlight.

  • Collect and destroy infested fruits and dried leaves.

  • Avoid over-ripening of fruits on the plant.

  • Spray with:

    • Malathion: 2 ml/L

    • Carbaryl or Lebaycid: 1.25 ml/L

    • Ekalux: 2 ml/L

Major Diseases in Muskmelon

Powdery Mildew

Spray with:

  • Dinocap (Karathane): 0.5–1.0 ml/L

  • Triadimefon (Calixin): 3 gm/L

Downy Mildew

Spray with:

  • Metalaxyl + Mancozeb (Ridomil): 1.5 ml/L

Fusarium Wilt

  • Practice crop rotation (every 4–5 years)

  • Seed treatment with Carbendazim (Bavistin): 2 gm/L

Anthracnose

  • Follow crop rotation practices

  • Spray with:

    • Mancozeb (Dithane M-45): 2 gm/L

    • Carbendazim (Bavistin): 1 gm/L

Mosaic Virus

  • Control aphids, jassids, and other virus-transmitting pests effectively.

Additional Tips for Higher Yield

  • Optimal seed germination temperature: 20–25°C

  • Ideal daytime temperature for growth and yield: 25–30°C

  • Temperatures above 40°C may lead to more male flowers and round-shaped fruits.

  • Use well-drained, fertile soil with pH 5.0–5.7.

  • When plants have 2–4 leaves, spray Boron, Calcium, and Molybdenum (3 gm/L) for better growth.

  • Maintain consistent soil moisture until fruit maturity.

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