Melon Production Research Articles

INDUCTION OF DROUGHT RESISTANCE IN MELON (Cucumis melo L.) M15 WITH HORMOPRIMING BRASSINOSTEROID BASED ON MORFOLOGY, ANATOMY, AND PHYSIOLOGY ASPECTS

Melon productivity in Indonesia has been declining. Global climate change is affecting the productivity of melons. Long-term droughts have contributed to a reduction in plant growth and development. Hormopriming is an alternative to increase the germination and growth of melon plants by soaking seeds in a solution of plant growth regulators. Brassinosteroid can enhance germination and plant tolerance under drought conditions. The objective of this research is to examine the impact of brassinosteroid hormopriming treatment on the germination and growth of melon plants subjected to various degrees of drought stress. The study utilized a two-factor fully randomized design. The brassinosteroid concentrations used were 0, 0.05, 0.10, and 0.15 ppm. Media with different water capacities of 75%, 50%, and 25% Space Capacity (SC) were used to test drought stress resistance. Water capacities were examined using the gravimetric method. This study's findings suggest that treating melon plants with brassinosteroid variations can induce drought resistance in M15 melons. A brassinosteroid concentration of 0.15 ppm is the best concentration, as it can increase all parameters of plant growth and adaptation under each variation of water availability provided. The findings of this study can serve as a reference for melon cultivators constrained by dry land conditions to increase the efficiency of cultivation.

Deciphering the Enhancing Impact of Exogenous Brassinolide on Physiological Indices of Melon Plants under Downy Mildew-Induced Stress.

Melon (Cucumis melo L.) is a valuable horticultural crop of the Cucurbitaceae family. Downy mildew (DM), caused by Pseudoperonospora cubensis, is a significant inhibitor of the production and quality of melon. Brassinolide (BR) is a new type of phytohormone widely used in cultivation for its broad spectrum of resistance- and defense-mechanism-improving activity. In this study, we applied various exogenous treatments (0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 mg·L-1) of BR at four distinct time periods (6 h, 12 h, 24 h, and 48 h) and explored the impact of BR on physiological indices and the genetic regulation of melon seedling leaves infected by downy-mildew-induced stress. It was mainly observed that a 2.0 mg·L-1 BR concentration effectively promoted the enhanced photosynthetic activity of seedling leaves, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis similarly exhibited an upregulated expression of the predicted regulatory genes of photosystem II (PSII) CmHCF136 (MELO3C023596.2) and CmPsbY (MELO3C010708.2), thus indicating the stability of the PSII reaction center. Furthermore, 2.0 mg·L-1 BR resulted in more photosynthetic pigments (nearly three times more than the chlorophyll contents (264.52%)) as compared to the control and other treatment groups and similarly upregulated the expression trend of the predicted key enzyme genes CmLHCP (MELO3C004214.2) and CmCHLP (MELO3C017176.2) involved in chlorophyll biosynthesis. Meanwhile, the maximum contents of soluble sugars and starch (186.95% and 164.28%) were also maintained, which were similarly triggered by the upregulated expression of the predicted genes CmGlgC (MELO3C006552.2), CmSPS (MELO3C020357.2), and CmPEPC (MELO3C018724.2), thereby maintaining osmotic adjustment and efficiency in eliminating reactive oxygen species. Overall, the exogenous 2.0 mg·L-1 BR exhibited maintained antioxidant activities, plastid membranal stability, and malondialdehyde (MDA) content. The chlorophyll fluorescence parameter values of F0 (42.23%) and Fv/Fm (36.67%) were also noticed to be higher; however, nearly three times higher levels of NPQ (375.86%) and Y (NPQ) (287.10%) were observed at 48 h of treatment as compared to all other group treatments. Increased Rubisco activity was also observed (62.89%), which suggested a significant role for elevated carbon fixation and assimilation and the upregulated expression of regulatory genes linked with Rubisco activity and the PSII reaction process. In short, we deduced that the 2.0 mg·L-1 BR application has an enhancing effect on the genetic modulation of physiological indices of melon plants against downy mildew disease stress.

ОБОСНОВАНИЕ ПРИМЕНЕНИЯ ЭЛЕМЕНТА КАПЕЛЬНОГО ПОЛИВА ДЛЯ ОПТИМИЗАЦИИ ГИДРОТРОФИЧЕСКОГО РЕЖИМА ДЫНИ В УСЛОВИЯХ ЗАЩИЩЕННОГО ГРУНТА

The aim of the study is to investigate the possibilities of using drip irrigation to optimize the hydrotrophic regime of melon in protected ground conditions. The object of the study is the melon crop of the F1 Polidor variety. The study was carried out in 2021–2023 at the enterprise of OJSC Vysokovsky Greenhouse Plant (Kostroma Region) under the adopted technology for growing F1 Polidor melon (control – drip irrigation) and using an additional element of the GTK drip irrigation system (experiment). The experiment was carried out on an area of 200 m2 (the size of the survey site is 25 m2) in accordance with the approved methods. Hydrotrophic capsules were installed when planting seedlings in the ground at the rate of 1 hydrocapsule per 2 plants, while 2 capillaries of the automated irrigation system were mounted in the lid. The frequency and level of water and nutrient solutions supply were programmed in accordance with the requirements of the biology of the crop and were carried out centrally. The experiment was repeated 4 times. Optimization of the water and nutrient supply regime for melons contributed to the development of a powerful root system with a positively changed anatomical and morphological (increase in root system weight by 125.7 g/plant, decrease in the number of root hairs and increase in the size of xylem vessels to 0.32 mm) and functional structure (101 % more working adsorbing surface of roots), increasing the physiological activity of above-ground organs in terms of photosynthetic productivity to 0.99 mgC/dm2/h and reducing water losses by 3.4 %/h/plant, which affected the formation of additional melon production of 8.9 t/ha with high accumulation of sugars (16.4 %) and vitamin C (8.9 mg%). Reducing the costs of additional water consumption will have a positive effect on the cost of production and on the economy of the enterprise as a whole. In greenhouse conditions, a favorable climate will be created for the working personnel, the amount of weeding will be reduced, and the risk of allergic reactions to mold spores will be reduced.

CPPU Improves Fruit Setting and Growth in Greenhouse-grown Oriental Melons (Cucumis melo L. var. makuwa Makino)

The production of melons (Cucumis melo L.) in greenhouses relies on pollination. Extreme temperature and insufficient light reduce not only flower visitation by pollinators but also pollen viability, resulting in inefficient pollination. In this study, we investigated the effects of forchlorfenuron [(N-(2-chloro-4-pyridyl)-N′-phenylurea (CPPU)] on the fruit setting and growth of oriental melons (C. melo L. var. makuwa Makino). The primary objective was to devise a new strategy for the management of oriental melons. Treatment with 5 mg·L−1 CPPU a day before flowering (T1), on the day of flowering (T2), and a day after flowering (T3) increased the fruit setting rate (by 20.1% to 30%) in melons subjected to artificial pollination (AP) or no pollination (NP) compared with the rate in those subjected to only artificial pollination without CPPU (CK). CPPU treatment induced unfertilized seeds; in addition, a tendency toward parthenocarpy was noted. The highest fruit setting rate (∼95%) was noted in plants subjected to the following treatments: AP+T1 and NP+T3. The rates of abnormal fruit formation decreased from 45.2% of CK group to 9.4% in plants subjected to AP+T1 and to 19.4% in those subjected to NP+T3. Elevated exogenous concentrations of CPPU markedly increased fruit weight. Plants subjected to NP+10 mg·L−1 CPPU bore the heaviest fruits (541.0 g), which were heavier than those borne by plants subjected to AP+10 mg·L−1 CPPU. CPPU treatment reduced the fruit cavity ratio in a concentration-dependent manner from 47.3% to 33.6% and increased the pulp thickness from 1.5 to 2.5 cm. Notably, supplementary CPPU treatment exerted no significant effects on fruit traits. Regarding taste, inconsistent results were obtained for sugar accumulation. Although the content of cucurbitacin B increased immediately after the initial CPPU treatment, it markedly decreased after 15 days of CPPU treatment. Therefore, mature melons did not have a bitter taste.

Factors Affecting Melon Farmers’ Knowledge Sources and Their Attitudes Towards Input Use; The Case of Hatay Province

The aim of study is to reveal the factors affecting the knowledge sources used by melon farmers in Hatay province, and their attitudes towards input use. In addition, the research also investigated farmers’ attitudes towards plant protection knowledge and support policies. In the study was surveyed with melon farmers. The data were obtained through face to face interviews during the period of Summer-2022. In the study, factor analysis was used to determine farmers’ the factors affecting the knowledge sources. Factors affecting the knowledge sources used by farmers were determined as two-way and one-way communication. The factors affecting the sources that farmers depend on in dose adjustment were determined as internal and external factors. Besides, farmers think that the knowledge sources should be understandable and accessible. On the other hand, farmers think that the sources they depend on should be accurate and reliable. In melon cultivation, chemicals are used excessively to combat diseases and pests. Also, farmers stated that if precautions are not taken while spraying, poisoning may occur. Moreover, it is thought that empty pesticide containers should be destroyed and excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides may harm products and the environment. Furthermore, farmers claimed that support policies for melon production were not sufficient. As a result, it has been understood that melon farmers have a good level of education and are conscious individuals. However, it is thought that the training and extension activities will help farmers increase their income and environmental awareness.

Identification of Gene Responsible for Conferring Resistance against Race KN2 of Podosphaera xanthii in Melon.

Powdery mildew caused by Podosphaera xanthii is a serious fungal disease which causes severe damage to melon production. Unlike with chemical fungicides, managing this disease with resistance varieties is cost effective and ecofriendly. But, the occurrence of new races and a breakdown of the existing resistance genes poses a great threat. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the resistance locus responsible for conferring resistance against P. xanthii race KN2 in melon line IML107. A bi-parental F2 population was used in this study to uncover the resistance against race KN2. Genetic analysis revealed the resistance to be monogenic and controlled by a single dominant gene in IML107. Initial marker analysis revealed the position of the gene to be located on chromosome 2 where many of the resistance gene against P. xanthii have been previously reported. Availability of the whole genome of melon and its R gene analysis facilitated the identification of a F-box type Leucine Rich Repeats (LRR) to be accountable for the resistance against race KN2 in IML107. The molecular marker developed in this study can be used for marker assisted breeding programs.

Perendaman Benih Melon Dengan PGPR Pseudomonas sp. dan Bacillus sp. di Dusun Ngadilegi Utara, Kecamatan Pandaan, Kabupaten Pasuruan

Ngadilegi Utara Hamlet is one of the hamlets in Plinlahan Village, Pandaan District, Pasuruan Regency which has large potential land for cultivating plants. Farmers in Ngadilegi Hamlet grow many crop commodities, one of which is melons. Melon (Cucumis melo L) is an annual fruit plant originating from the Persian Hot Valley or the Mediterranean region which is the border between West Asia, Europe and Africa. Melon plants are a type of pumpkin plant which is in the same family as watermelon, cantaloupe and cucumber. One effort to increase melon production in North Ngadilegi Hamlet can be done by good development and correct cultivation technology and supported by the use of new technology, namely the use of bacteria contained in PGPR. Soaking seeds with PGPR aims to ensure that the bacteria contained in PGPR are able to colonize the seeds as early as possible. Proper long soaking treatment of seeds can increase plant yields because bacteria will bind to the seed coat and imbibition into the seeds.

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.

Pre-germination treatments of melon seeds for the production of seedlings irrigated with biosaline water.

Melon production in the Brazilian semi-arid region is subject to the use of marginal waters with high salinity. However, the use of regulators and bioactivators in seed treatment can mitigate the harmful effects of salts in irrigation water. In this context, the objective was to evaluate the effect of pre-germination treatments with plant regulators and bioactivator in melon seeds for the production of seedlings irrigated with biosaline water from fish farming effluent. For this, two trials with the Goldex and Grand Prix hybrids were carried out separately. A completely randomized design was used in a 4 × 3 factorial scheme (pre-germination treatments × water dilutions). In addition to the control, the seeds were treated with salicylic and gibberellic acids and thiamethoxam. The waters used for irrigation were local-supply water, fish farming effluent (biosaline water) and these diluted to 50%. Physiological and biochemical analyses were performed for fourteen days. Biosaline water (5.0 dS m-1) did not affect the emergence of Goldex melon seedlings, but compromised the establishment of the Grand Prix cultivar. Seed pre-treatments with salicylic and gibberellic acids attenuate the effects of water salinity and promote growth modulations, resulting in more vigorous melon seedlings.

Yield, quality and lightness of melons depending on nutrition conditions in Northern Turkmenistan

In the conditions of Northern Turkmenistan, to increase the sugar content in fruits, optimal and cost-effective rates of mineral fertilizers were calculated for the autumn-winter melon varieties Gulyabi Dashoguzskaya, nitrogen 90, phosphorus 90 and potassium 60 kg/ha. And also to increase soil fertility and melon productivity, it was recommended to apply manure of 30 t/ha once every three years for the main plowing. At the application rate (nitrogen 90, phosphorus 90 and potassium 60 kg/ha) in compliance with equal shares of nitrogen for pre-sowing treatment and in the phase of 3-4 leaves, phosphorus in equal shares for plowing and before sowing, potassium for plowing and the general agricultural background, it was obtained 27.0-29.0 t/ha crop.

TECHNICAL EFFICIENCY IN BITTER MELON PLANTS USING DATA ENVELOPMENT ANALYSIS (DEA) MODEL IN TANAH LAUT DISTRICT

Farm technical efficiency involves maximizing output while minimizing input costs. In Tanah Laut Regency, bitter melon production fluctuates annually due to climatic factors and inefficient input use. On average, farmers use 0.47 hectares of land, 166 grams/ha of seeds, 2,659 kg/ha of organic fertilizer, 208 kg/ha of inorganic fertilizer, 7.08 liters/ha of liquid pesticides, 7.24 kg/ha of solid pesticides, and 339 HKSP of labor. Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) indicates that farmers are technically inefficient, with average technical efficiencies of 80.8% (CRS-DEA), 89.9% (VRS-DEA), and 89.8% (SE-DEA). Among the farmers, 32% operate under increasing returns to scale (IRS), 26% under constant returns to scale (CRS), and 42% under decreasing returns to scale (DRS). A logit regression model reveals that education level, farming experience, and number of family members significantly impact technical efficiency, while age, land ownership status, and off-farm income do not. To enhance efficiency, farmers should reduce input use by emulating the practices of their more efficient peers.

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.

Economic Analysis Of Production Technologies Of Watermelon (Citrullus Lanatus) Among Smallholder Farmers In Akwa-Ibom State, Nigeria

The study was carried out to analyze the economics and production technologies of water melon among small holder farmers in Akwa- Ibom State. Multistage sampling technique was used in data collection. The data were collected from 240 organic and non-organic small holder watermelon farmers. The primary instrument used for data collected was structured questionnaire. Data obtained was analyzed by Enterprise budgeting method, Anova and descriptive statistics. The technologies used in the study area in water melon production were Organic and Non-organic (conventional system). The total revenue and the gross margin of conventional water melon producers realized per farmer per annum were N407,000 and N207,000 respectively, while the total revenue and gross margin for organic water melon producers were N562,385 and N433,141 respectively. The study suggests that awareness should be created by the extension officers on the use of organic farming technology.

The Water Saving, Increasing Water Use Efficiency And Water Productivity of Melon by Water Retention Technique

The Water Saving, Increasing Water Use Efficiency And Water Productivity of Melon by Water Retention Technique

Allantoin and jasmonic acid synergistically induce resistance response to powdery mildew in melon as revealed by combined hormone and transcriptome analysis

Powdery mildew is a major fungal disease affecting melon production, and analyzing the molecular regulatory mechanism of resistance in melon is a prerequisite for melon molecular breeding of powdery mildew resistance. In this study, a resistant melon material was selected for inoculation and sterile water control treatments, and four time points, 0 h, 24 h, 48 h and 72 h after treatment, were selected for transcriptome sequencing analysis. The content of disease resistance related hormones was also determined and WGCNA analysis was performed. The results showed that allantoin and jasmonic acid were related to the regulation of powdery mildew resistance in melon, and key genes responding to the disease resistance response were found. In this study, we found that powdery mildew infested melon leaves induced a rise in the content of allantoin, which in turn induced a rise in the content of jasmonic acid and induced the accumulation of reactive oxygen species and thus resistance through the signaling of Ca2+ and WRKY transcription factors. This study initially explored the molecular regulatory mechanism of powdery mildew resistance in melon and provided a theoretical basis for molecular breeding of powdery mildew resistance in melon.

Comparative Analysis of Transcriptomics and Metabolomics Reveals Defense Mechanisms in Melon Cultivars against Pseudoperonospora cubensis Infection.

Melon (Cucumis melo L.) represents an agriculturally significant horticultural crop that is widely grown for its flavorful fruits. Downy mildew (DM), a pervasive foliar disease, poses a significant threat to global melon production. Although several quantitative trait loci related to DM resistance have been identified, the comprehensive genetic underpinnings of this resistance remain largely uncharted. In this study, we utilized integrative transcriptomics and metabolomics approaches to identify potential resistance-associated genes and delineate the strategies involved in the defense against DM in two melon cultivars: the resistant 'PI442177' ('K10-1') and the susceptible 'Huangdanzi' ('K10-9'), post-P. cubensis infection. Even in the absence of the pathogen, there were distinctive differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between 'K10-1' and 'K10-9'. When P. cubensis was infected, certain genes, including flavin-containing monooxygenase (FMO), receptor-like protein kinase FERONIA (FER), and the HD-ZIP transcription factor member, AtHB7, displayed pronounced expression differences between the cultivars. Notably, our data suggest that following P. cubensis infection, both cultivars suppressed flavonoid biosynthesis via the down-regulation of associated genes whilst concurrently promoting lignin production. The complex interplay of transcriptomic and metabolic responses elucidated by this study provides foundational insights into melon's defense mechanisms against DM. The robust resilience of 'K10-1' to DM is attributed to the synergistic interaction of its inherent transcriptomic and metabolic reactions.

PENGARUH KOMPOS KULIT DURIAN DAN NPK ORGANIK TERHADAP PRODUKSI TANAMAN PARE (Momordica charantia L.)

The Effect of Compost Durian Peel and Organic NPK on the Production of Bitter Gourd (Momordica charantia L)”. The purpose of this study was to determine the interaction effect as well as the main effect of durian rind compost and organic NPK on bitter melon production. The research was carried out on the agricultural land of the Food Crops Seed Center, Kuantan Singingi Regency, Jalan Perintis Kemerdekaan KM 2, Pulau Godang Village, Kuantan Tengah District, Kuantan Singingi Regency. The study was conducted for 4 months, from December to March 2023. This study used a factorial Completely Randomized Design consisting of 2 factors, namely the first factor of durian peel compost (K) consisting of 4 treatment levels, namely 0, 1, 2 and 3 kg per plot. The second factor was the dose of Organic NPK (N) which consisted of 4 treatment levels, namely 0, 5, 10 and 15 gram plants. Parameters observed were flowering age, harvesting age, number of fruit per plant, fruit weight per plant, fruit weight per fruit, largest fruit diameter, longest fruit length and number of remaining fruit. Observational data were analyzed statistically and continued with the BNJ test at the 5% level. The results showed that the interaction of durian rind compost and Organic NPK significantly affected the parameters of flowering age, harvesting age, number of fruits per plant, fruit weight per plant, fruit weight per fruit and longest fruit length. The best treatment was a dose of 3 kg of durian peel compost per plot and 15 grams of organic NPK per plant. The main effect of real durian peel compost on all observation parameters. The best treatment is durian peel compost at a dose of 3 kg per plot. The main effect of real organic NPK on all observation parameters. The best treatment is Organic NPK with a dose of 15 grams per plant.

Analysis of Melon Growth Due to Application of Silver Black Plastic Mulch and Cow Manure Compost

Melon is a short-lived dicot, that growing up on the ground or on bamboo stakes. Vegetative growth and melon production rate are influenced by internal and external factors. Research has been carried out on the analysis of melon growth due to the application of silver black plastic mulch and cow manure compost in 2023. This study aims to analyze the effect of application of silver black plastic mulch on melon growth; application of cow manure compost on melon growth; interaction of application of silver black plastic mulch and cow manure compost on melon growth. The study was designed in two factors, namely the application of silver black plastic mulch as the first factor and the dosage of cow manure compost as the second factor. The results of the study were: there was an increase in plant height, number of leaves, leaf length and width of melon leaves due to application of silver black plastic mulch; there was an increase in plant height, number of leaves, length of melon leaves due to application of cow manure compost, but the application cow manure compost did not increase the length of melon leaves; there was no increase in all growth parameters measured due to the interaction of silver black plastic mulch and cow manure compost application

Nano-selenium enhances melon resistance to Podosphaera xanthii by enhancing the antioxidant capacity and promoting alterations in the polyamine, phenylpropanoid and hormone signaling pathways

Powdery mildew is one of the main problematic diseases in melon production, requiring the use of chemical pesticides with disease-resistant cultivars for control. However, the often rapid acquisition of fungicidal resistance by mildew pathogens makes this practice unsustainable. The identification of crop treatments that can enhance resistance to powdery mildew resistance is therefore important to reduce melon crop attrition. This study indicates that the application of Nano-Se can reduce the powdery mildew disease index by 21–45%. The Nano-Se treatment reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) accumulation, with increases in glutathione (GSH), proline and 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH). Increases were also observed in the activities and transcriptional levels of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and peroxidase (POD). Assays with four different cultivars of melon with differing levels of mildew resistance demonstrated that relative to the control, the Nano-Se treatment resulted in larger responses to mildew infection, including increases in the levels of putrescine (PUT; 43–112%) and spermine (SPM; 36–118%), indoleacetic acid (IAA; 43–172%) and salicylic acid (SA; 24–73%), the activities of phenylalanine ammonium lyase (PAL), trans-cinnamate 4-hydroxylase (C4H) and 4-coumarate: Co A ligase (4CL) of the phenylpropanoid pathway (22–38%, 24–126% and 19–64%, respectively). Key genes in the polyamine and phenylpropanoid pathway were also upregulated. These results indicate that the foliar application of Nano-Se improved melon defenses against powdery mildew infection, with a significant reduction in mildew disease development.Graphical