Soilless media and containers for greenhouse production of 'Galia' type muskmelon
2006
Rodriguez, J.C. | Cantliffe, D.J. | Shaw, N.L. | Karchi, Z.
In the spring of 2001 and 2002, different combinations of media (coarse perlite, medium perlite, and pine bark) and containers (polyethylene bags and plastic pots) were used for hydroponic production of 'Galia' muskmelons (Cucumis melo L.) to determine their effect on fruit yield and quality, and their influence on costs of production. Marketable yields obtained for 'Gal-152' in the spring 2001 and 2002 were 25.5 kg.m(-2) and 39.0 kg.m(-2) respectively. When data were combined for 2001 and 2002, fruit yield and fruit quality were unaffected by any combination of media and container. Average soluble solids content was generally greater than 10 degrees Brix. It was determined that the use of pine bark media and plastic pots instead of perlite and bags would save $18,200 per year (two crops)-a feasible option for reducing costs of producing 'Galia' muskmelons in greenhouses using soilless culture without loss of yield and fruit quality.
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