Effect of Plant Population on Muskmelon Yield and Quality

Abstract

Muskmelon plant populations and arrangements were evaluated at two sites in North Carolina in 1997. Within-row plant spacings of single rows were 0.15, 0.30, 0.46, 0.61, and 0.76 m, while staggered twin row spacings were 0.30, 0.46, and 0.61 m. The trials were conducted on black plastic with drip irrigation at both locations using the `Athena' cultivar. One trial was seeded 22 Apr., the other was transplanted 21 May. Yield was recorded as fruit number and weight. Soluble solids measurements were also taken. Yields were nearly two times greater when planted on 22 Apr. than 21 May. Yields in the later planting ranged between 13,300 and 18,800 melons per hectare, while yields in the earlier planting ranged between 23,700 and 31,600 melons per hectare. Populations arranged in staggered twin rows on the bed provided no yield advantage compared with single rows. As in-row plant spacing increased, yields of large-sized fruit (>2.0 kg) tended to be greater, while production of smaller size marketable fruit (1.4 to 2.0 kg) tended to be greater as in-row plant spacing decreased. Soluble solids were not affected by plant population.