Characteristics of muskmelon fruits in relation to temporary row cover and the number of fruits

Abstract

The muskmelon plants allow several ways to manipulate sources/ drains ratio. The objective of this work was to evaluate characteristics of the productivity and quality of Cantaloupe melon fruits due to the temporary use of row cover and the number of fruits per plant. The experiment was carried out from August to December 2014, at Universidade Federal de Campina Grande (UFCG), Paraiba State, Brazil. The experimental design was randomized blocks with treatments allocated in split plots 5x3, with four replicates. The authors reported permanence time of the row cover at different times in the plot [20, 24, 28, 32, and 36 days after transplanting (DAT)] and, in the subplots, the number of fruits per plant (plants with one fruit, plants with two fruits and fruit-free setting plants). The authors evaluated traits of production and quality of fruits. The permanence time of row cover and number of fruits per plant promoted changes in the productivity and quality of the muskmelon fruits. The permanence of the row cover from 20 to 36 DAT provided reduction in the total soluble solids. The average fruit mass and fruit yield reached the maximum value with the permanence of the row cover up to 26.6 and 25.1 DAT, respectively. Plants with one and two fruits presented higher average fruit mass, but with lower productivity compared to the plant with fruit-free setting.

Use of colored agrotextiles and length of stay in the cultivation of yellow melons

“…At 24 DAT, the result was the opposite, where no significant differences were observed in the number of fruits in the plant, but the mass of the fruit was more significant when the plants were covered with orange-colored agrotextiles. According to Pereira et al (2017), the most significant number of fruits per plant generates competition between these and the vegetative organs, decreasing the latter's growth; however, this effect can be reduced when there is no limitation of solar radiation.…”

“…It is observed that the use of agrotextile independent of the colors used when remaining on melon plants until 24 DAT provided a reduction in the number of fruits. This behavior may be associated with the shading of the plant's canopy during the vegetative phase, responsible for the accumulation of photoassimilate that will be used in the production of flowers and, consequently, fruits (Pereira et al 2017).…”

“…These climatic data show the importance of studying shading in melon crops, especially under conditions of excessive solar radiation and its effects on plant growth and development. Pereira et al (2017), working with the melon culture under a white agrotextile, observed that removal of the line cover during the beginning of plant growth at 20 DAT when compared to removal performed at 24.0, 28.0, and 36.0 DAT it was advantageous for the crop, as it allowed the plant to be exposed to higher solar radiation raising the average mass of the fruit.…”

Decreased sink/source ratio enhances hexose transport in the fruits of greenhouse tomatoes: integration of gene expression and biochemical analyses

“…Sink/source ratio may be increased by partial defoliation or decreased by fruit thinning. Change in the sink–source dynamics is one of the criteria considered to adjust the sink activity and allow a greater supply of photoassimilates for the growth of fruits (Pereira et al 2017). Changes in the sink/source ratio may have a great effect on various important cellular processes including carbohydrate metabolism, and the secondary metabolites synthesis and transport (Pastore et al 2011).…”