Yield and quality response of muskmelon to simulated storm damage
1998
Bartolo, M.E. | Schweissing, F.C.
Severe storms with high winds, hail, and rain can severely injure muskmelon (Cucumis melo L. var. reticulatus Naud.) leaf and fruit tissues. Our study was conducted to determine the yield and quality response of muskmelon to simulated storm damage during different periods of plant development. We removed 33% and 67% of the muskmelon foliage at 10, 20, 30, and 40 days before the first anticipated harvest. In 1994, 67% defoliation significantly reduced marketable yields and fruit number more than did 33% defoliation. The same trend existed in 1993. At both levels, defoliation had a greater impact on marketable yield when it occurred just before the canopy had covered all bare ground in the plots (about 30 or 40 days before the first harvest). Defoliation, in general, decreased fruit soluble solids concentration (SSC). In 1993, SSC decreased as the severity of damage increased. The reduction in SSC was most prominent when defoliation occurred in the later stages of fruit development (10 or 20 days before harvest). Both moderate (33%) and severe (67%) foliage loss reduced marketable yield and fruit quality of muskmelons.
显示更多 [+] 显示较少 [-]