Effect of spacing on mini watermelon hybrids grown in a protected environment

Abstract

In recent years, a group of small watermelons has stood out with 1-3 kg in weight called mini watermelons. These watermelons, when grown under greenhouse conditions, require different management techniques. This study evaluated the performance of mini watermelon hybrids at different plant spacing. To this end, the experiments were conducted in a greenhouse using a substrate of coconut husk fibers with fertigation. The study design was a randomized block with 5 × 3 factorial treatments and four replicates. The factors evaluated included five mini watermelon hybrids (Beni Kodama, Ki Kodama, Smile, New Kodama, and Beni Makura) and three plant spacing configurations (E 1 = 0.35 m, E 2 = 0.50 m, and E 3 = 0.65 m). Growth characteristics, production, and quality were evaluated using analysis of variance. There was no significant interaction between the hybrids and plant spacing for yield traits, physiological traits, and fruit quality. Fresh fruit mass, yield, transverse and longitudinal diameter and firmness presented significant differences for both factors, type of hybrid and plant spacing. In this study, despite the established competition in terms of spacing, the performance of hybrids was not negatively affected. Thus, we recommend the cultivation of hybrids spaced 0.50 m apart in coconut husk fibers, because it results in good yield and fruit quality, while facilitating plant management techniques.

Densidad de plantas y poda de tallos en la producción de pepino en invernadero

“…Por ello, el cultivo con densidad de 2.22 plantas m -2 , poda a dos tallos planta -1 , así como su interacción, también propiciaron incrementos en el área foliar planta -1 y en el IAF (Cuadro 2). En estudios se ha visto que el área foliar planta -1 aumentó junto con la disminución de la densidad de plantas (Gomes et al, 2017), pero en el presente estudio se manifestó una capacidad de las plantas de pepino para adaptarse al manejo de dos tallos planta -1 y crecer competitivamente. Existe la aceptación general acerca del área foliar como uno de los parámetros más importantes en la evaluación del crecimiento de las plantas, de allí que la determinación adecuada de la misma sea fundamental para la correcta interpretación de los procesos en una especie vegetal.…”

“…La interacción de 2.22 plantas m -2 con dos tallos planta -1 (T4) promovió significativamente más rendimiento de pepino selecto y súper selecto, los tamaños de fruto con mayor demanda en el mercado internacional, hasta 57.5 y 50.1% superiores al rendimiento obtenido con 1.68 plantas Sin embargo, cabe subrayar que, incluso con el aumento del rendimiento como una función de espaciamiento más estrecho, el cultivo de plantas a muy alta densidad no siempre es adecuado porque dificulta las actividades de manejo, aumenta la necesidad de poda, aumenta la probabilidad de bacterias y hongos fitopatógenos, y dificulta su monitoreo y control (Gomes et al, 2017).…”

Influence of Crop Geometry, Fruit Thinning and Nutrient Management on Yield and Yield -related Attributes of Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus Thumb.)

“…The highest (8.87) yield per plant was recorded in D1 and the least (8.14) in D3. [25] Also viewed analogous findings. This may be due to the production of a greater number of fruits per plant in wider spacing which were having more weight too.…”

Number of stems and plant density in mini watermelon grown in a protected environment

“…Trop., Goiânia, v. 49, e54196, 2019 Among the new cultivars are mini watermelons, compact and highly precocious hybrids, that allow a greater plant density (Guimarães et al 2013). They are named for their small fruits (1-3 kg), also known as icebox watermelons, and cater to more demanding consumers with a high purchasing power (Gomes et al 2017).…”