Ecological safety and effectiveness of the growth regulator Vigor Forte and Agrovin fertilizers in the technology of growing of watermelon

Abstract

Modern agricultural technologies require new approaches allowing to increase yields and produce fruits with high properties. The aim of the research was to assess the effect of foliar processing of watermelon plants with growth regulator Vigor Forte in various doses and combinations with liquid fertilizers on growth, development, yield and biochemical traits of fruits. The research was carried out in 2018-2020 on Bykovskaya Melon Breeding Experimental Station - a branch of the FSBSI “Federal Scientific Centre for Vegetable Growing” (Volgograd region). The treatment of plants was carried out twice, the first one was at the beginning of branch forming, the second one was after 10-12 days. The following rates of fertilizers were used: Vigor Forte - 25 g/ha and 50 g/ha; Agrovin Universal, Agrovin Profi, and NPK complex - 500 g/ha. Consumption of working solution was 200 l/ha. The object of research was an early cultivar of watermelon Triumph. Untreated plants were accepted for control. Treatment of watermelon plants with Vigor Forte combined with Agrovin Universal or Agrovin Pro fertilizers increased yield by 36.7 - 77.9%. There were no significant changes in the biochemical traits of the fruits. The amount of nitrates did not exceed the MPC (60 mg/kg).