The effect of hydrogel Aquasource on yield capacity and seed efficiency of melon Cucumis melo L.

Abstract

At the Scientific Center of Vegetable, Melon and Industrial Crops (MoE RA) for 3 years (2020-2022), the use of Aquasource hydrogel (Ecotechnology LLC) in the cultivation of melon Cucumis melo L was investigated. Hydrogel in the ratio: Soil mix +Aaquasource (3:0.1), Soil mix+Aquasource (3:0.15), Soil mix +Aquasource (3:0.2) compared with the control (Soil mix without Aquasource) had a positive effect on the early appearance of female flowers, reducing the terms of technical ripening and fruit quality. The indicator of marketable yield of melon also exceeded the control (230.9±2.73 c/ha) and amounted to 287.5±2.94, 308.0±2.27 and 307.0±3.05 c/ha, respectively. A similar pattern was observed with seed yield: 360.7±2.87, 399.6±10.01, 392.1±9.20kg/ha, respectively, with control 287.2±8.05 kg/ha. An assessment of the economic efficiency of using Aquasource showed that by reducing the cost of water supply, labor force and provision of higher yield, the percentage of economic efficiency was 120.4-128.6%, and profitability - 67.6-69.0% (with control of 61.9%).