Abstract

TAPIA VARGAS, Luis Mario et al. Nutritional supplements for fruit yield and nutrition of muskmelon under fertigation and plastic mulch. Rev. Mex. Cienc. Agríc [online]. 2010, vol.1, n.1, pp.5-15. ISSN 2007-0934.

Fertigated muskmelon is cultivated under intensive use of fertilizer and foliar nutritional supplements. The aim of this research was to evaluate the effect of organic and inorganic foliar applications upon the nutrimental condition, crop development, fruit yield and quality of mulched muskmelon under fertigation. In 2006, the following treatments were evaluated: 1) control with a fertilization rate of 180-100-200 (N-P₂O₅-K₂O); 2) same as control 1 plus organic promoters and inorganic foliar nutrients (AO+F); 3) control 1 plus organic bio-fertilizers applied to foliage and soil (OR); 4) control 1 plus foliar inorganic nutrients and hormones (H+F). In 2007 same treatments as 2006 (1, 2, 3, 4) were tested plus two new treatments: 5) control 1 plus soil organic bio-promoters and foliar inorganic nutrients (B+F); and 6) reduction of fertilization rate of control 1 to 50% plus organic bio-fertilizers applied to foliage and soil (RE). Following traits were measured: fruit yield, bruce and national fruit quality, fruit °Bx, N-NO3 and K+ (mg L^-1) in petiole cellular extract (ECP), total foliar N, P and K (%), main shoot length (m) and root and foliar biomass (g plant^-1). In 2006, H+F had a significant effect on bruce fruit quality yield with 16 t ha^-1 higher than control 1. Also, in 2007 H+F and OR had 6.6 and 5.3 t ha^-1 significantly higher yield than control 1, respectively. Moreover, there was a significant effect of treatments on N and P (%) foliar nutrition. There were not differences on either total K (%) or ECP N-NO3 (mg L^-1). Foliar supplements in fertigated muskmelon have a significant effect on increasing bruce fruit quality yield and foliar nutrition, but crop biomass was not affected.

Keywords : Cucumis melo; drip irrigation; fertilization; foliar nutrition.