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Watermelon simple storage method
To ensure the best quality and long-term storage of watermelons, it is essential to follow specific harvesting and storage techniques. The watermelons selected for storage should be in excellent condition, with a maturity level of approximately 75%, free from mechanical damage, and harvested with a small portion of the vine or stem attached—ideally at least 10 cm in length. The optimal time for harvesting is between 8-9 a.m. in the morning or in the late afternoon when temperatures are cooler. Additionally, a 0.1% thiophanate solution should be sprayed on the plants seven days prior to harvest to prevent fungal infections.
For the first method, choose a well-ventilated storage area, such as a sand-filled room. Clean and disinfect the space using a 300–400 times diluted potassium permanganate solution. Then, spread a layer of soaked sand about 8–10 cm thick. Before placing the watermelons, spray them with an 800–1000 times diluted thiophanate solution. Select fully ripe watermelons during cloudy or sunny evenings, leaving three vines per melon. Cut the ends of the vines about 3 cm from the joint, and cover each with hay ash. Ensure that each plant retains one green leaf. Place the watermelons on top of fine river sand, covering them with a 4–5 cm thick layer. Insert three guava leaves between each group of watermelons, and apply a 0.1%–0.2% phosphoric acid solution every 10 days for a total of 3–4 applications. If the surface sand becomes dry, lightly water it. This method can keep watermelons fresh for over 40 days.
Another effective technique involves soaking mature watermelons in saltwater. First, wash them thoroughly with clean water, then soak in a 25%–30% brine solution for 15–20 minutes. After drying, place them in sealed polyethylene bags (avoiding polyvinyl chloride or fertilizer bags). Store them in a stable environment such as a cellar, air-raid shelter, or natural cave, where the temperature remains between 12–15°C. To save space, use wooden containers inside the cellar. This method allows for up to one year of storage.
For room temperature storage, select watermelons that are fully ripe. Spray them with a 1000-fold dilution of thiophanate-methyl or carbendazim 7 days before harvest. At the time of harvesting, coat the stems with a 0.02%–0.03% 2,4-D solution. If no pesticides were used before harvest, you can dip the watermelons in a solution containing 0.06% tebuconazole or 0.1% thiophanate along with 0.02%–0.03% 2,4-D. Dry them thoroughly and store them in a sterilized warehouse, underground storage, or a ventilated room. Before storing, treat the storage area with 2%–3% lime water or a fungicide solution. Lay down a layer of clean straw or grass, about 1.5 meters wide, and stack the watermelons in 2–3 layers. Maintain good ventilation by opening windows in the morning and evening, keeping the temperature around 16°C and humidity between 70% and 80%. Regularly remove any spoiled watermelons to prevent spoilage. This method can last for 20–30 days.
For underground storage, choose a shaded, cool, and dry corner of a basement or dug trench. Dig a trench approximately 3 meters wide, 10–15 meters long, and 1.5 meters deep. Build a 0.5-meter-thick earth wall around the trench, 1 meter high on the south side, and leave a door in the middle of the north wall. Cover the soil walls with straw and seal them with a layer of mud. Install a skylight and four cellar vents. Before placing the watermelons, disinfect the space and lay a 5–7 cm thick layer of dry sand on the floor. Stack the watermelons in 3–4 layers. This method ensures a storage period of more than 30 days.
For short-term storage, market-harvested watermelons can be dipped in a 6%–12% wax emulsion mixed with 0.1%–1.0% sodium benzoate for 30–60 seconds. This treatment extends the shelf life by about 8 days compared to untreated ones. Choose medium-maturity watermelons with intact stems. Store them in a cool, well-ventilated room, tying the stems with strings. Wipe the skin daily with a clean cloth to maintain freshness. With proper care, these watermelons can last up to 10 days.