The Response of AB Mix Utilization on Growth and Yield of Several Melon Varieties ( Cucumis melo L.) in Hydroponic Drip Irrigation System

Abstract

Melon (Cucumis melo L.) is one of popular fruit commodities in Indonesia, because of its sweet and fresh taste, and very high of nutritional content. Appropriate dose of Ab Mix on growth and yield is essential in melon cultivation with a hydroponic system. The study was conducted to determine the best AB Mix dose levels for growth and yield of three melon varieties. A Split Plot Design was used which arranged using a randomized block design with 2 factors. The first factor as the main plot was 2 levels of AB Mix doses (N), and the second factor as the subplot was 3 varieties (V) of melon. The results showed that the effect of AB Mix doses on the growth and yield of three melon varieties were not significantly different between the two treatments (1600 ppm and 1800 ppm). The Golden Aroma variety gave different response at the age of two weeks after planting in term of plant height. Whereas the AB Mix dose level influenced the number of leaves only at the age of two weeks after planting. In conclusion, 1600 ppm of AB Mix dose was sufficiently meet the nutrition level required by the melon in hydroponic drip irrigation system.