Plant density due to intra-row spacing on growth, weed control, and yield of Golden melon

Abstract

ABSTRACT Appropriate density of Golden melon (Cucumis melo L.) in the field is arrived at by correct spacing between, and within rows, a factor that can impact on weed incidence and crop yield. A field experiment was conducted at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, in the tropical rainforest/savannah transition zone of southwestern Nigeria, to assess the effects of intra-row spacing on growth and yield of golden melon and determine the weed control ability. Treatments were plant densities of: 50,000, 25,000, 16,667, 12,500, or 10,000 plants∙ha−1 produced by establishing plants at 20, 40, 60, 80, or 100 cm intra-row with a constant inter-row spacing of 100 cm. Data were collected on number of leaves, vine length, number of branches, days to flowering, days to 50% flowering, number of fruits per plant, average fruit weight, total fruit yield, weed density, weed fresh weight, and weed dry matter content. More leaves, branches, and longer vines were obtained from plants grown at 10,000, 12,500, and 16,667 plants∙ha−1. Number of fruits per plant increased as plant density increased. Planting at 25,000 and 50,000 plants∙ha−1 produced smaller fruits compared to planting at 10,000 and 16,667 plants∙ha−1. Planting at 10,000 and 16,667 plants∙ha−1 produced more fruits per plant and had larger fruits compared to other plant densities. Planting golden melon at a population density of 25,000 or 50,000 plants∙ha−1 was efficient in controlling, and reducing, weed interference. Planting at a population of 25,000 plants∙ha−1 provides efficient weed control; a population of 16,666 plants∙ha−1 provides increased growth and yield of golden melon. Planting Golden melon at a population of 16,666 plants∙ha−1 (100 cm inter-row, 60 cm intra-row spacing) appears to be best to improve yield. Knowledge of the best plant density obtained through intra-row spacing can impact efficiency and cost of production of Golden melon.