Performance of net melon hybrids cultivated in coconut husk fiber and fertigation

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the productivity of net melon, grown in coconut husk fiber with fertigation. A randomized complete block design was used with five cultivars and four repetitions. Each parcel consisted of six plants, where only the four central ones were evaluated. The hybrids were: Maxim, Louis, Fantasy, Shinju 200, and Bônus n^o 2. The seeding was done in expanded polystyrene 128 cell trays, in which the substrate was Plantmax Hortaliças^®. Thirteen days after sowing, one plant was transferred to each pot. Planting was made according to a 1.0 m between rows and 0.5 m between plants arrangement. The melon plants were hydroponically cultivated in plastic vases filled with the commercial coconut fiber Golden Mix® Misto 98. Harvesting took place 95 days after transplant. The production characteristics evaluated were production per plant, longitudinal and transverse diameters of the fruit, roundness of the husk, transverse and longitudinal diameters of the locule and productivity. The qualitative characteristics of the fruit evaluated were weight of the fruit, thickness of the mesocarp, level of soluble solids, pH, titratable acidity, maturation index and vitamin C. Although the hybrids Shinju 200 and Maxim did not differ from the hybrids Fantasy and Louis as to productivity, they showed lower pH and soluble solids. It was conclude that hybrids Fantasy and Louis are the most indicated for cultivation with coconut husk fiber with fertigation.

Additional keywords: Cucumis melo L.; fruit yield; fertigation; fruit quality.