Drought effect simulation on the growth and yield quality of melon (Cucumis melo l.)

Abstract

Background and Objective: Water is an important factor for the crop growth and development, mainly under the drought condition. The cultivation of Cucumis melo requires water both at vegetative and generative phase which are taking role for metabolic and physiological processes. Further, there are reports that melon development requires different volume of water between vegetative and generative phase. The objective of this study was to investigate the amount of water which is required to the different growth phase of melon variety Apollo to simulate the effect of drought on this changing climate. Materials and Methods: This study conducted on April, 2015 until June, 2015 in screen house using randomized block design consisting of 9 combinations of treatments and with 3 replications. The treatments include: V1G1 [water supply 100% FC (field capacity) in vegetative and generative phase], V1G2 (water supply 100% FC in vegetative phase, 75% FC in generative phase), V1G3 (water supply 100% FC in vegetative phase, 50% FC in generative phase), V2G1 (water supply 75% FC in vegetative phase, 100% FC in generative phase), V2G2 (water supply 75% FC in vegetative phase, 75% FC in generative phase), V2G3 (water supply 75% FC in vegetative phase, 50% FC in generative phase), V3G1 (water supply 50% FC in vegetative phase, 100% FC in generative phase), V3G2 (water supply 50% FC in vegetative phase, 75% FC in generative phase) and V3G3 (water supply 50% FC in vegetative phase, 50% FC in generative phase. Analysis of the data used in this study is the analysis of variance F-test with a level of 5%. If there is significant effect on the treatment, LSD (least significant difference) is conduct at the level of 5%. Results: The results of this study showed that drought simulation to 50% both in vegetative and generative decrease 50% performance of growth of melon. However, on harvest parameters, 25% drought simulation on just vegetative phase increased 1% of yield, 559.33 g from 549.11 g (control). Conclusion: While simulating 25% drought only to generative phase, increased the level of sweetness from 14.59-15.98% or increased 9% compare to control.