Effect of potassium and calcium upon the yield and fruit quality of melon

BOUZO, CARLOS ALBERTO; CÉCCOLI, GABRIEL; MUÑOZ, FERNANDO FELIPE

AgriScientia

Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias-Universidad Nacional de Córdoba

Lugar: Córdoba; Año: 2018 vol. 35 p. 25 - 33

0327-6244

The aim of this work was to study the effect of potassium and calcium in relation with nitrogen upon the yield and fruit quality of outdoor-grown melon (Cucumis melo L.). Two experiments were carried out employing a variety of Inodorus group (cv. ´Honey Dew Green Flesh´) and a variety type Charentais (cv. ´Sivan´). Nine treatments were performed resulting in a factorial arrangement of 3 x 3 due to the use of three doses of K and three doses of Ca through fertigation, expressed as follows in relation with N: K:N (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) were measured as well as fruit quality attributes: firmness (kg); pulp or mesocarp thickness (mm) and bark (mm); and Total Soluble Solids (%). Differences were observed between the two varieties analyzed. The application of K showed the greatest effect on the quality and yield of the harvested fruit. There were no significant differences in quality and yield with the application of Ca.