Abstract

BOUZO, C. A; CECCOLI, G  and  MUNOZ, F. Effect of potassium and calcium upon the yield and fruit quality of Cucumis melo. Agriscientia [online]. 2018, vol.35, n.1, pp.25-33. ISSN 1668-298X.

The aim of this work was to study the effect of potassium and calcium in combination with nitrogen upon the yield and fruit quality of outdoor-grown melon (Cucumis melo L.). Two experiments were simultaneously performed through the use of two cultivars: 'Honey Dew Green Flesh' (Inodorus group) and 'Sivan' (Charentais group). A completely randomized experimental design was used with nine treatments resulting in a factorial arrangement of 3 x 3 due to the use of three doses of K and three doses of Ca. Doses were administered through fertigation with the injection of the fertilizers into a drip irrigation system, expressed as follows in relation to N: N:K (1.8:1.0 - 1.0:1.0 - 0.0:1.0) and Ca:N (2.0:1.0 - 1.0:1.0 - 0.0:1.0). Fertilization with nitrogen and phosphorus was the same in all treatments, through the application of an equivalent of 160 kg ha^-1 of N and 45 kg ha^-1 of P. Yield (Mg ha^-1) was measured as well as fruit quality attributes: firmness (kg); pulp or mesocarp thickness (mm) and rind thickness (mm); and total soluble solids (%). Differences were observed between the two varieties. The application of K showed the greatest effect on the quality and yield of the harvested fruit. However, this effect was not observed with Ca.

Keywords : Cucumis melo L.; Plant nutrition; Firmness; Total soluble solids.

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