Melon Cultivation Research Articles

Pengenalan ZPT Alami Untuk Budidaya Melon di Dusun Ngadilegi Desa Plintahan Kec. Pandaan Kab. Pasuruan

This community service activity aims to utilize natural ingredients such as shallots, bamboo shoots, and coconut water as an alternative phytohormone in the growth of melon plants cultivated by partners. The target of the implementation of community service activities is the Madulegi Farmer Group in North Ngadilegi Hamlet. The method used in this activity is in the form of FGD (Focus Group Discussion) which is carried out directly or face-to-face and demonstrates the making of natural growth regulatory substances from shallots, bamboo shoots, and coconut water. The farmers' response was very enthusiastic about the introduction of this natural growth regulator for melon cultivation. Farmers in Ngadilegi Hamlet can understand well about the materials and equipment needed, as well as the process of making and utilizing these natural growth regulatory substances. Through this activity, it is hoped that it can provide an alternative for farmers to utilize natural ggrowth regulatory substances with materials that are easily obtained around and are relatively cheap and safe, so as to increase melon productivity

The effects of different rootstocks on aroma components, activities and genes expression of aroma-related enzymes in oriental melon fruit.

Grafting is widely applied in the cultivation of melon. In this study, 'Qinmi No.1' (Cucumis melo L.(QG)) and 'Ribenxuesong' (Cucurbita maxima Duch. (RG)) were used as rootstocks for 'Qingxin Yangjiaocui' (Cucumis melo L.). The results showed that grafting with muskmelon rootstocks had no significant effect on fruit aroma, but grafting with pumpkin rootstocks significantly reduced the odor intensity and odor preference scores of melon fruits. Compared with the fruits from self-grafted plants (SG), four new aromatic volatiles with a sweet smell were detected, the alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) activity was significantly decreased at 30 DAP, but unaffected at 42 DAP in QG fruits. There was no difference for alcohol acetyltransferase (AAT) activity between QG and SG fruits. The expression level of CmADH2 was significantly higher at 30 DAP and 42 DAP, but CmAAT2 was significantly lower at 42 DAP in QG fruits compared with SG fruits. In RG fruits, the main aroma compounds including butanoic acid ethyl ester, 2-methyl-2-butene-1-al, and 2-methylheptan-1-al were absent, while the volatile compounds with unpleasant odor characteristics including trans, cis-2,6-nonadien-1-ol, (E,E)-2,4-heptadienal, octanoic acid, and styrene were detected. Compared with SG fruits, 1-nonanol and 1-heptanol with green odor characteristics were significantly increased, but eucalyptol and farnesene with fruity aroma characteristics were significantly decreased in RG fruits. The ADH activity of RG fruits was significantly lower than that of SG fruits at 30 DAP and the AAT activity was significantly lower than that of SG fruits at 42 DAP. In addition, the expression levels of CmADH and CmAAT homologs in RG fruits were significantly lower than those in SG or QG fruits. These results show that grafting with pumpkin rootstocks affected the main aroma components, reduced ADH and AAT activities, and down-regulated the expression levels of CmADHs and CmAATs in the melon fruits. This study reveals the mechanism of different rootstocks on melon fruit aroma quality, and lays a theoretical foundation for the selection of rootstocks in melon production. Future studies using overexpression or CRISPR/CAS system to obtain stable transgenic lines of genes encoding key aromatic volatiles, would be promising to effectively improve the flavor quality of melon.

Establishing A Greenhouse For Melon Cultivation: A Community Service Program To A Farmer Group In Lamongan Jawa Timur

The demand for fresh and high-quality melon has been steadily growing over the years. Certainly, supply chain challenges significantly impact farmers' ability to produce and distribute their products efficiently for some reasons. Moreover, melon crops are vulnerable to changes in weather and climate. Support in the form of climate-resilient farming practices, weather forecasting, and access to drought-resistant or heat-tolerant varieties can help farmers mitigate risks. Hence, melon farmers, like farmers of any other crop, require support for various reasons due challenging industry, and farmers often face a range of factors that can impact their performance. This article aims to explore how a community service program support a farmer group in Lamongan Jawa Timur by establishing a greenhouse for melon cultivation. The primary focus of a community development report is to document the planning, implementation, progress, and outcomes of a specific community development program. Data collection for a community development report involves qualitative approaches such as surveys, interviews, focus groups, and observations. The method follows the sequential step: The initial step is gathering information about the community's needs, challenges, and aspirations by conducting online interviews, and offline focus group discussion to understand the specific areas that require improvement. The second step is stakeholder mapping, which includes community members, local leaders, local university partners, and local business partners who have a vested interest in the program. The third step entails assessing potential risks and challenges that could hinder the development process. This includes identifying economic, social, environmental, or cultural risks. Based on the information gathered in the previous steps, the design of the community development program was to set clear goals, objectives, strategies, and action plans by tailoring to address the specific needs and circumstances of the community. Last, putting the program into action involves executing the strategies and action plans outlined in the program design, which includes organizing workshops, training sessions, and infrastructure development. The results show that community development is a dynamic and iterative process. Flexibility and adaptability are key qualities as the situation on the ground may change, and new insights may emerge. Additionally, involving the community at every stage of the process fosters ownership, empowerment, and sustainability of the development initiatives.

Машина для вычесывания сорняков: эффективность обработки посевов бахчевых

The cultivation of melons and gourds is a rather laborious process and the main costs fall on the treatment of crops from weeds and harvesting. Before the weed damage threshold is reached, three or four row spacing treatments with cultivators are required, which ensures soil compaction. The number of treatments can be reduced by loosening the row spacing 0.1 to 0.12 m with a device capable of affecting the root system of weeds. It is established that weeding out is affected by the gear ratio between the weed extractor rotors. In order to determine the optimal value of the gear ratio on the technological process, the author conducted laboratory and field studies. The distance, on which the root diggers interact with the soil, was determined in the soil channel when varying the gear ratio from 1.0 to 4.0 and the depth of cultivation of 0.05 and 0.1 m. In field conditions, the author measured the length of weed roots removed from the soil at a working depth of 0.05 and 0.1 m, at the gear ratio of 1.0 to 4.5, and with a pitch of 0.5. As a result of research, the author observed the optimum length of traces of the front sections of the digger equaling 0.35 m and that of rear ones equaling 0.08 m at a gear ratio of 4.0. The greatest length of weed roots extracted to the surface with the digger blade of 0.26 to 0.32 m was observed at a gear ratio of 4.0 and a depth of 0.1 m. It is concluded that the efficiency of tillage depends on the gear ratio between front and rear rotors and the depth of tillage. The highest weeding-out efficiency was observed at a gear ratio between the weed extractor rotors of 4.0.

Avaliação de fungicidas e Trichoderma spp. no controle de fungos patogênicos habitantes do solo em meloeiro

ABSTRACT Soil-borne fungal pathogens pose an increasing challenge to melon cultivation globally. The demand for reduced agrochemical use in melon farming, driven by limitations on chemical residues in the fruit, underscores the need for alternative control strategies. This study assesses the effectiveness of various fungicides-difenoconazole, fluazinam, fludioxonil, and procymidone -and Trichoderma spp. strains (T. asperellum, T. harzianum, and two strains of T. longibrachiatum) in combatting Ceratobasidium sp., Fusarium falciforme, Macrophomina phaseolina, and Monosporascus cannonballus. Fluazinam (EC50 from 0.01 to 0.88 mg/L) and fludioxonil (EC50 from 0.01 to 0.07 mg/L) emerged as the most effective fungicides in suppressing the mycelial growth of the pathogens in vitro, whereas procymidone (EC50 from 2.31 to 9.77 mg/L) was the least effective. Fludioxonil demonstrated significant efficacy against Ceratobasidium sp., F. falciforme, M. phaseolina, and M. cannonballus. In vitro assays revealed that all tested Trichoderma spp. strains significantly inhibited mycelial growth, with over 70% reduction for all pathogens examined. Field trials indicated that Trichoderma treatments could decrease disease incidence (28.00 to 69.33%) and severity (0.95 to 2.25) in melon crops. These findings illuminate the potential of various fungicides and Trichoderma spp. in managing soil-borne pathogens in melon cultivation. Such control methods might be employed independently or synergistically with other strategies like grafting onto resistant rootstocks or breeding for resistance to mitigate the threats these pathogens pose to global melon production.

Modeling future carbon stock in melon cultivation agroecosystems under different climate scenarios

Intensive melon cultivation is based on conventional monoculture models that can inefficiently use natural resources, which, combined with inadequate management, contribute to climate change. The main objective of this study was to model the future carbon stock in melon cultivation agroecosystems under different climate scenarios. The study was conducted at the Bebedouro Experimental Field of Embrapa Semi-arid, Petrolina/PE, Brazil, in an area cultivated with yellow melon cv. Gladial, and eight cultivation cycles were considered. The experimental design was composed of two types of soil management (with and without tillage), two treatments using green manures consisting of 14 species with different proportions of legumes, grasses and oilseeds, and spontaneous vegetation, containing four replications divided into randomized blocks. After 70 days of development, the plants were cut and placed in the soil. Temperature and precipitation data were acquired from the BCC-CSM, MIROC5, CESM1-BGC, IPSL-CM5B-LR, and HadGEM2-AO climate models, following the RCP 4.5 and 8.5 climate scenarios. The carbon (C) stock was estimated until the year 2071 using the RothC model.

Impact of grafting and deficit irrigation on yield of melon (cucumis melo l.)

An experiment was performed to evaluate the effects of grafting and deficit irrigation on yield of melon grown under different water stress conditions. The plant materials used in the study were Ünlü melon grafted on the rootstock of Ferro melon and ungrafted Ünlü melon species. Water was applied at the level of 80, 60 and 40% of the water applied to the full irrigation level (I100=100%). Grafting significantly affected the fruit number of the plants. The fruit number in the ungrafted applications was higher than that in the grafted applications. Effects of grafting application and irrigation level on fruit weight was significant. The fruit weight in the ungrafted applications was higher than that in the grafted applications. Outcome indicated that there was no significant loss in yield, fruit number, or fruit weight of melons under application of 20% water deficit to the plants. Findings also revealed that the amount of irrigation water for melon cultivation can be safely reduced by 20% under Mediterranean climate conditions. Bangladesh J. Bot. 52(4): 925-932, 2023 (December)

Melon management using agrotextile and plasticulture and its prospects for Roraima

The melon (Cucumis melo L.) is a crop of great economic importance for the world, and in Brazil it is mainly intended for the export of its fresh fruits to the European market. In the North region, especially in Roraima, the cultivation of melon is one of the alternatives for exploring the cerrado areas, as its favorable edaphoclimatic conditions enable cultivation during the off-season in Brazil. The yellow melon is grown by most producers in Roraima, however, the technology adopted by the producers implies low yields and quality of the fruits required by the foreign market. The Northeast region of the country adopts techniques for the use of mulching (soil cover using polyethylene film), where beneficial factors are associated with curcubitaceae, protecting the soil against evaporation, saving water, energy, fertilizers and hindering pest infestation. (weeds and insects), and diseases. In addition, they use agrotextile to cover plants, which reduces the attack of pests and diseases in the melon crop. Thus, proper management provides good perspectives for the cultivation of melons with excellent quality, reducing the use of pesticides and being profitable for the producer. Therefore, in view of this context, this study sought to review inherent information on the efficiency of the use of mulching management associated with TNT in the melon crop.

Characteristics and variability of melon genotypes under shade conditions in greenhouse

The utilization of controlled greenhouses can be an alternative for melon (Cucumis melo L.) cultivation. Growing melon in greenhouses lowers the risk of pests and infections by diverse pathogens. Low solar irradiation during the rainy season and pollution in the greenhouse roof, may cause shade stress conditions for the plants inside. This study aimed to elucidate the plant and fruit characteristics of nine genotypes of melon grown under shade conditions in a greenhouse and the variability among them. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse of Cikabayan Experimental Station, IPB University, Bogor, from November 2016 to January 2017. The genetic materials evaluated were nine melon genotypes from the Center for Tropical Fruit Studies at IPB University. A randomized complete block design with three replicates was followed. Shade intensity in the greenhouse was approximately 25%. The results showed that the genotype effect was significant for internode length, petiole length, plant height fruit, flesh thickness, fruit rind thickness, fruit weight, and total soluble solids. Genotype means for fruit weight were small in this experiment (< 300 g), whereas the total soluble solids were moderate to high (8.7-14.3 °Brix). Fruit diameter had a positive and significant correlation with leaf length, leaf width, and fruit length, whereas fruit weight had a positive and significant correlation with fruit diameter and fruit length.
 Keywords: correlation, honeydew, melon breeding, melon group, traits

Post-harvest management and characteristics of melon cultivars fruits and their prospects in the Roraima savannah: a review

The melon (Cucumis melo L.) holds significant economic importance on the global stage, with Brazil standing out as a strong exporter. Climatic conditions such as high temperatures, low relative humidity, and extended periods of sunlight are beneficial for the fruit's production and quality. The Northeast region of Roraima, particularly the municipalities of Bonfim and Normandia, close to the border with Guyana, has a semi-arid climate with an average annual rainfall between 1,200 and 1,400 mm. After harvesting, horticultural products begin to respire, a process that compromises post-harvest quality, leading to a decrease in organoleptic characteristics, firmness, sugar content, and loss of mass. The Cantaloupensis and Reticulatus melons, which are climacteric, have a high synthesis of ethylene and high respiratory rates in the fruit, resulting in flavor deterioration, firmness loss, and a shorter post-harvest shelf life. In contrast, non-climacteric melons, such as the inodorus group, display reduced ethylene synthesis, white flesh, subtle aroma, no pronounced ripening, and a longer post-harvest lifespan. It's worth noting that the melon market offers a variety of significant cultivars, resistant to pests, with high productivity and excellent post-harvest quality. This study aimed to address a literature review on the management of melon cultivation, development conditions of the crop, and post-harvest of melon cultivars in the Roraima Savanna."

Field inoculation of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi improves quality attributes and yield of melon (Cucumis melo)

ABSTRACT Melon (Cucumis melo) is an important economic and nutritional crop extensively cultivated worldwide. Morocco ranks 13th among the melon-producing countries with a production of 520,000 tones. Melon cultivation is facing the double challenge of solving management problems (fertilisation, pest control, etc.), and meeting the tendency to seek high-quality chemical-free fruits. This study aims to assess the effect of three arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, Rhizophagus intraradices (Rin), Rhizophagus fasciculatus (Rfa), Funneliformis mosseae (Fmo), and their complex, on yield and quality attributes of melon ‘Ananas’ based on field experiments. The results showed that inoculated plants exhibited higher production and fruit quality than the control. Rin-plants showed the highest increases in yield (84%), fresh weight (84.4%), longitudinal (34.7%) and equatorial (28.8%) perimeters, pulp thickness (39.8%), pulp-to-peel ratio (146.3%), Brix degree (14,6%), and highest decrease in peel thickness (77.7%). Moreover, Rin-plants exhibited the highest increases in proteins (343%), polyphenols (291%), flavonoids (140%), carotenoids (693%), ascorbic acid (43%) concentrations, DPPH radical inhibition (30%) and in reducing power (53%). According to the sensory evaluation, consumers were more appreciative of the quality attributes of the Rin-plant fruits which were highly rated by participants.

Desain Mobile Robot dengan Differential Steering untuk Penyemprot Nutrisi Tanaman Melon di Greenhouse

Maintenance of melon cultivation is still carried out conventionally even though melon plants require different nutrients in each phase of vegetative and generative development. For this reason, an automation system is needed that can help distribute nutrients and pH in each planter bag. In this study, the automation system is realized in the form of a line follower robot using a PID (Proportional Integral Derivative) control system. The PID control system is used to correct errors from measuring input variables so that the system output matches the set point value to produce the smallest possible error. Based on the results of the experiments conducted, the best PID control parameter results were obtained with a value of Kp = 10, Ki = 0.5, and Kd = 1, where these values can respond to the position of the mobile robot line follower so that it always detects the set point value and has the fastest time to reach the finish with a time of 30,450 ms.

Enhancing melon growth and sustainability through spun-bonded polypropylene fabric wrapping

This study aimed to assess various weights of spun-bonded nonwoven polypropylene (PP) fabrics for wrapping outdoor-grown melons, providing cost-effective options for both construction and insect protection. Fruit wrap bags were crafted using different materials, and spun-bond fabrics with weights of 30, 40, 50, and 60 gsm were tested for encasing melons. The results demonstrated that the 50 gsm spun-bonded bags significantly improved melon growth after a four-week period, establishing them as the preferred choice for outdoor melon cultivation. To evaluate their growth in comparison to unwrapped fruits, we measured melon circumference after four weeks. Unwrapped melons exhibited the slowest growth, whereas those enveloped in 50 gsm spun-bond fabric displayed the most substantial growth. Additionally, we employed hanging weights to gauge melon development. Melons encased in 30, 40, 50, and 60 gsm spun-bond fabric weighed 663, 680, 707, and 870 grams, respectively. Significantly, melons wrapped in 50 gsm spun-bond fabric exhibited the highest weight gain, underscoring its effectiveness. This study highlights the potential of spun-bonded PP fabric as a sustainable packaging option and a growth enhancer for melons, contributing to sustainable agriculture and improved crop quality.

Optimasi Ukuran Pot dan Dosis Pupuk pada Budidaya Melon (Cucumis melo L)

This research aimed to determine the optimum pot size and fertilizer dosage for melon (Cucumis melo L) cultivation based on productivity. The experiment used a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) arranged factorially with 2 factors and two replicates. The first factor was the dose of compost fertilizer (D) which consists of 1500 g (D1), 1500 g+10 g NPK (D2), 2000 g (D3), and 2000 g+10 g NPK (D4), and the second factor was the pot size or volume of growth media (N) consisting of 5 liters (N1), 10 liters (N2), and 20 liters (N3). The results showed that fertilizer dosage had no effect on all parameters, while pot size had an effect on fresh fruit weight, plant height, fruit circumference, stem diameter and water productivity, but had no effect on sweetness level, number of leaves and root weight. If seen from fruit weight and water productivity, the N2 treatment factor is the best treatment factor. Therefore; the D1N2 treatment combination could be chosen as the optimum treatment because it produced fruit weights of 1434.58-1532.36 g and an average water productivity of 39.07kg/m3. Keywords: Compost Dose, Melon Cultivation, Pot Size, Water Productivity.

Aplikasi berbagai jenis pemberian konsentrasi asam amino sitokinin dan giberelin pada tanaman melon (Cucumis melo L.) hidroponik

Introduction: This study aims to determine the growth and yield of melon plants in drip irrigation systems in conventional and hydroponic cultivation techniques. Method: The research was carried out in July – September 2022, on the Smart GreenHouse area of ​​the Jember State Polytechnic with an altitude of ± 89 meters above sea level and an air temperature of 22 – 32 °C. Parameters observed were plant height (cm), plant diameter (cm), number of leaves (strands), fruit weight per sample (kg), fruit brix content per sample (0brix), fruit diameter per sample (cm). Result: Based on the results the t-test recapitulation of the use of drip irrigation systems in conventional and hydroponic melon cultivation gave a significant effect on the observation of plant height at 2 – 6 WAP, plant diameter at 2 WAP and 3 WAP, number of leaves at 2 – 6 WAP, as well as giving effect on yield parameters, namely fruit weight, fruit brix content, and melon fruit diameter. Conclusion: The conclusion of this study is that the use of drip irrigation systems in conventional and hydroponic melon cultivation has a significant effect on all plant parameters. However, it did not affect the parameters of plant diameter at the age of 4 - 6 WAP. The use of this drip irrigation system is well applied to the cultivation of melon plants with substrate hydroponic cultivation techniques using coco peat growing media.

Analisis Usaha Tani Pemberian Asam Amino Terhadap Hasil Tanaman Melon Honey Globe (Cucumis melo L. inodorus) Secara Hidroponik

Cultivating melon plants hydroponically with greenhouse technology increases the production of quality melons as well as an alternative for people who have limited land. To support the growth of hydroponic melon plants, efforts can be made are by adding components that promote growth such as amino acids. This study aims to determine the effect of the application of amino acids on melon yields and the feasibility of melon farming by applying amino acids. The research was conducted from June to October 2022 at the Jember State Polytechnic Smart Green House using a one-factor Completely Randomized Design (CRD), namely the amino acid spray treatment and the amino acid drip treatment. The results of this study after the T tesT-test no significant effect on all parameter observations. The results of the farming analysis show that the spray treatment application produces a production of 64.66 kg with a selling price of IDR 25,000/kg and IDR 7,000/250 g with a loss of IDR 56,169. Honey Globe melon cultivation with spray treatment is unsuitable for a farming business because the R/C ratio is < 1, which is 0.95. In the application of the leaked treatment, the melon plants produced a production of 54.62 kg with a selling price of IDR 25,000/kg and IDR 7,000/250 g with a loss of IDR 134,169. Honey Globe melon cultivation with the application of leaky treatment is not suitable for a farming business because the R/C ratio is < 1, which is 0.88.

EVALUASI PERTUMBUHAN DAN HASIL TANAMAN MELON (Cucumis melo L.) PADA 2 MACAM DESAIN GREENHOUSE UNISBA BLITAR

The aim of the research is to determine the effect of differences in melon cultivation in two greenhouse construction designs which provide the best results on the growth and yield of melon plants (Cucumis melo L.). The research was conducted from July to September 2022 at the Balitar Islamic University of Blitar Greenhouse. The design used is a dependent analysis method which tests the relationship between independent variables. The analysis technique used is the parametric t-test. The t-test difference test was carried out on two category groups with the condition of two paired sample groups (paired sample t-test). The variables observed were plant height (cm), number of side shoots (strands), stem diameter (cm) and fresh fruit weight (gr). The results showed that the Greenhouse 1 (GH1) design provided an agro-climatic environment that was more in line with the environment needed by the melon plants significantly compared to the GH2 design so as to provide better melon plant growth and better yields. The average fruit fresh weight for melon plants cultivated in GH1 was 1008.52 grams of side shoots which was significantly better than in GH2 which was 968.32 grams.

Transcriptomic Analysis of the Response of Susceptible and Resistant Bitter Melon (Momordica charantia L.) to Powdery Mildew Infection Revealing Complex Resistance via Multiple Signaling Pathways.

The challenge of mitigating the decline in both yield and fruit quality due to the intrusion of powdery mildew (PM) fungus looms as a pivotal concern in the domain of bitter melon cultivation. Yet, the intricate mechanisms that underlie resistance against this pathogen remain inscrutable for the vast majority of bitter melon variants. In this inquiry, we delve deeply into the intricate spectrum of physiological variations and transcriptomic fluctuations intrinsic to the PM-resistant strain identified as '04-17-4' (R), drawing a sharp contrast with the PM-susceptible counterpart, designated as '25-15' (S), throughout the encounter with the pathogenic agent Podosphaera xanthii. In the face of the challenge presented by P. xanthii, the robust cultivar displays an extraordinary capacity to prolong the initiation of the pathogen's primary growth stage. The comprehensive exploration culminates in the discernment of 6635 and 6954 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in R and S strains, respectively. Clarification through the lens of enrichment analyses reveals a prevalence of enriched DEGs in pathways interconnected with phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, the interaction of plants with pathogens, and the signaling of plant hormones. Significantly, in the scope of the R variant, DEGs implicated in the pathways of plant-pathogen interaction phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, encompassing components such as calcium-binding proteins, calmodulin, and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, conspicuously exhibit an escalated tendency upon the encounter with P. xanthii infection. Simultaneously, the genes governing the synthesis and transduction of SA undergo a marked surge in activation, while their counterparts in the JA signaling pathway experience inhibition following infection. These observations underscore the pivotal role played by SA/JA signaling cascades in choreographing the mechanism of resistance against P. xanthii in the R variant. Moreover, the recognition of 40 P. xanthii-inducible genes, encompassing elements such as pathogenesis-related proteins, calmodulin, WRKY transcription factors, and Downy mildew resistant 6, assumes pronounced significance as they emerge as pivotal contenders in the domain of disease control. The zenith of this study harmonizes multiple analytical paradigms, thus capturing latent molecular participants and yielding seminal resources crucial for the advancement of PM-resistant bitter melon cultivars.

Design of small gravity drip irrigation for smallholder farming in water scarce region of Indonesia

Many regions in Indonesia are suffering from a water crisis due to limited annual precipitation, especially in dry regions, which affects agricultural production. Climate change is becoming more severe, threatening global food and water security. Thus, the development of affordable irrigation for smallholder farms is crucial to increasing agricultural production. The study aims to provide a better design and management of a small gravity drip irrigation system for melon cultivation. Field experiments were conducted on a farmer’s field located in Sinjai Regency to analyze the performance of the small gravity drip irrigation system on melon cultivation. The technical design was determined by analyzing the water application uniformity and irrigation water productivity. The parameters of crop growth under small gravity drip irrigation were monitored during crop development stages, and the irrigation water productivity was calculated after the crop was harvested. As a result, the small gravity drip system performed well in crop performance, and the irrigation water productivity was 1.55 kg/m3. It can be concluded that a small gravity drip irrigation system is an effective strategy for irrigating melon cultivation on smallholder farms, minimizing water loss, and improving crop water productivity.

Enhanced Melon Cultivation: An Application of Hydroponic Nutrient Formulation for Superior Yield and Quality

This study, conducted from June to September 2022 in greenhouse CV. Agroniaga, aimed to enhance melon (Cucumis melo L.) productivity and quality using superior seed varieties and a hydroponic system. Utilizing a Completely Randomized Design (CRD), the experiment examined two melon varieties, Dalmatian (G1) and Sweet D25 (G2), under four nutrient formulations: F1 (vegetative and generative N3), F2 (vegetative, generative 1a and 2a), F3 (vegetative, generative 1b and 2b), and F4 (leaf goodplant, fruit goodplant). Statistical analysis was performed at a significance level of 5%. The results indicated that the F3 nutrient formulation, with specific nitrate, ammonium, phosphorus, and potassium concentrations at different growth stages, achieved high-quality melons with enhanced productivity. These findings hold significant implications for horticultural practices, promoting a sustainable, efficient strategy for superior melon cultivation and potentially contributing to the economic development in the sector.