RESPONS PERTUMBUHAN DAN PRODUKSI SEMANGKA (Citrullus vulgaris Schard.) TERHADAP KONSENTRASI PACLOBUTRAZOL DAN DOSIS PUPUK NPK

Abstract

The aim of this experiment was to determine respons in growth and yield of watermelon topaclobutrazol and dosage of NPK fertilizer. This research had been conducted at field of Pasar Istreet no. 89, Tanjung Sari, Medan (± 25 in above sea level), in April-July 2013 using factorialrandomized block design with two factor, i.e. concentration of paclobutrazol (0, 150, 300, and 450ppm) and dosage of NPK fertilizer (60, 120 and 180 g/plant) in six times. Parameter observed wereplant height, number of female flowers, number of male flowers, total weight persample and totalweight perplant. The result showed that paclobutrazol concentration affect significantly on plantlength (6-8 weeks after planting), number of female flowers (35 and 38 days after planting), numberof male flowers (41 and 44 days after planting), total weight persample, and total weight perplant.Dosage of NPK fertilizer affect significantly on number of male flowers (44 days after planting).Interaction affect significantly on number of female flowers (35 and 38 days after planting) andnumber of male flowers (41 days after planting).Keywords: watermelon, paclobutrazol concentration, and dosage of NPK fertilizer