Naslov
Growth and yield of watermelon on polyethylene mulch with different spacings and nitrogen rates

Autori
Goreta, Smiljana ; Perica, Slavko ; Dumičić, Gvozden ; Bućan, Lovre ; Žanić, Katja

Izvornik
HortScience (0018-5345) 40 (2005), 2; 366-369

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Radovi u časopisima, članak, znanstveni

Ključne riječi
Citrullus lanatus; ammonium nitrate; fertigation; planting density; fruit size

Sažetak
Suggested watermelon planting densities and N rates vary on a large scale, indicating that there is insufficient knowledge about their effects. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of N rate and planting density on growth, yield and quality of watermelon [Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum & Nakai] grown on black polyethylene mulch. The field experiments with watermelon, cv. Crimson Sweet, were conducted in two climatologically different growing regions. The treatments were factorial combinations of three in-row plant spacings (0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 m) and three N rates (115, 195 and 275 kg.ha-1). Part of the N (35 kg.ha-1) was applied preplant and the remainder was fertigated. Vine length increased linearly up to 7 weeks after planting (WAP) as N rate increased from 115 to 275 kg.ha-1, and up to 9 WAP as plant spacing increased from 0.5 to 1.5 m. Total and marketable yields per ha or per plant did not increase with N rates above 115 kg.ha-1. Average fruit weight and fruit size distribution were generally unaffected by N rate. Leaf N concentration increased as N rate increased, although leaf N concentrations at the lowest N rate (115 kg.ha-1) even at 9 WAP were relatively high (43.3 to 47.3 g. kg-1). Total and marketable yields per ha were linearly decreased with an increase in plant spacing from 0.5 to 1.5 m, and the same was noticed with the total and marketable number of fruits per ha. With increased plant spacing average fruit weight increased and fruit size distribution shifted to larger categories.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Poljoprivreda (agronomija)

POVEZANOST RADA