Evaluación agronómica de melón (Cucumis melo L.) bajo condiciones de campo.

Abstract

With the objective to determine correlations between yield and principal components of variation of cantaloupe genotypes, in Ramos Arizpe, Coahuila, 12 genotypes were established, in a Complete Randomized Block design with four replications. An experimental plot of two rows five meters long sown at double hill. The genotypes studied were: hybrids: Primo, Pronto, Challenger, Cheyenne, Hi-Line, Cruiser, Durango, Apache, Laguna, Caravelle and Main Pack, and the variety Top Mark, as a control. The variables evaluated were: yield (11 variables: quantitative and qualitative); phenology (three variables); agroclimatic (five variables) and physiologicals (four variables); significant and negative correlations (p<0.05) were found between yield and earliness, mean fruit weight, number of fruits, and between fruit number and fruit lenght. The most correlated physiological variables were photosynthesis and water use efficiency. With the principal component analysis up to the component three 65 % of variance is explained. Component one showed a high value on yield, weight and size characteristics, and called as “Yield Quantitative Characteristics”. In component two, “Earliness Component” showed the higher variations. Component three to six, explain similar proportions the other variables, being the sixth where was found the highest Photosynthesis. Multiple linear regression was significant (p<0.057), due to field conditions, can be considered adequate. Yield in t/ha is explained by a multiple linear equation (r2=0.99) of 10 variables.