Melon

Using silicon increases the resilience of melon plants

Especially during growth and root development, plants can be made more robust by adding silicon. This applies during both propagation and commercial growing. Our biostimulant SilicaPower is an easily mixed liquid product, which contains a high concentration of absorbable silicon (3% orthosilicic acid), with a unique low EC of just 0.02 mS. The silicon in SilicaPower is built into the cell walls and epidermis of the leaf and literally strengthens the leaf. It is known that when leaves are stronger, they are less susceptible to infections and piercing pests.

The silicon also improves the absorption and distribution of nutrients such as magnesium and calcium for better internal moisture management → fewer problems with drought stress!

Other effects of administering additional silicon are improved root growth and higher chlorophyll production. When more chlorophyll is produced, the rate of photosynthesis increases leading to a rise in production.

Recommended dosage/advice for use - SilicaPower in (water)melons

Propagation (water)melon

• 1st spray: 0.5 litres/hectare on the rootstock and stalk when the first primary leaf emerges.
• 2nd spray: 0.5 litres/hectare 7 days after the first spray
• 3rd spray: 0.5 litres/hectare 3 days after grafting
• 4th spray: 0.5 litres/hectare 10 days after grafting

It is important that both the rootstock and topstock are sprayed!

Commercial growing (water)melon

• From planting until harvesting with an interval of 7 days, drip feed/spray with 0.75 litres/hectare. SilicaPower is easily mixed and, if desired, can be sprayed in combination with a fungicide/insecticide spray.

Research and practical experience show: the use of SilicaPower improves the vitality of melon plants

Both independent research and practical experience show that melon plants treated with SilicaPower have a better root system and are more vital. The uniformity and yield also improve. Furthermore, stronger melons can be harvested that store better and for longer.

Below are a few examples of what growers see after regular use of SilicaPower:

• Healthier, more uniform, more compact and stronger plants during propagation, which grow easier and better at the commercial grower
• Better flower quality and fruit setting across the entire field during the growing stage
• Melons have higher Brix values at harvest
• The use of plant protection products reduces substantially

What should be done if a melon crop experiences additional stress conditions temporarily?

If despite all your efforts to improve resilience your crop experiences additional stress conditions temporarily, we recommend supplementing SilicaPower with our product Cuprum. This CE-marked fertilizer contains micro-copper, which plays an important role in growth-promoting enzymes and proteins and the formation of lignin which strengthens cell walls (wood pulp). Cuprum is therefore a fertilizer that gives an extra boost to growth and photosynthesis and therefore the quality of your melons.

Recommended dosage/advice for use Cuprum

• The dose is 0.5 to 1 litre/ha/week if just Cuprum is used, or 0.25 to 0.5 litres/ha/week if sprayed in combination with SilicaPower or fungicides. Continue to use Cuprum whilst the increased stress conditions persist.

Would you like to know more about how to apply our advice to your growing situation?

Do you have additional questions or would you like to know how to apply our advice to your own farm? Contact your dealer or our advisor Alwin Scholten. Ring Alwin on telephone number +31 (0)6 49 33 49 30 or email him on alwin.scholten@plantosys.nl.