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I just reviewed a study I purchased 4 years ago that I think will be helpful to share as it lends valuable insight regarding the theory of icing melon flowers. The study was done by Sedgley and Buttrose in 1977. Watermelons were grown in cabinets under different light intensities, daylengths, and temperatures. The results show that with increased temperature the male to female flower ratio increases dramatically (plants are more female at lower temperatures, and more male at higher temperatures) BUT up to 95 F those females that you do get are longer, have a larger diameter, have faster pollen germination, a higher rate of tube growth, a larger stigma/style, AND a shorter time for the tubes to reach the ovaries (better pollination). In other words 95 F appears to be ideal, and 86 F is almost as good. Above 95 F you get a very sharp decline in all of these things. By 104 F you get abortion of male and female flowers, females that don’t open, almost all male flowers, the size of the female flowers decline dramatically, pollination fails, and the female flowers that do open often abort. Based on this you wouldn’t want to ice a flower if it’s 95 F outside, since that is perfect. Keeping it from going above 95 appears to be a very good idea. However if it’s 105 F outside icing it down to the 70s would not be in your best interest- just keep her down around 95. It’s helpful to know at what point the problem arises (above 95 F), and what we are aiming for (86-95F). How does this information fair with your personal experience?

5/10/2016 12:30:18 PM

Bowdon, GA

Good info here. I think the way I usually do it would only lower the ambient temp a few degrees. I also shade my covering cup when hand pollinating because dark soil and mulch raises the temp inside the cup. I will try to use my thermometer this year and see how close to that range I am. Thanks

5/10/2016 11:07:48 PM

formerly RGG

Excellent information. I will certainly keep this in mind if I get a chance to grow again.

5/12/2016 2:38:25 PM

formerly RGG

Thinking back, Lloyd Bright mentioned several years ago that he thinks the largest growing melons set on during periods of hot weather.I think this study just confirms that Lloyd is correct in his thinking.I see a big advantage here for the early grower with a greenhouse. Giddy up Clyde.

5/13/2016 8:06:41 PM