Performance of Melon from Momordica Group as Affected by Pruning Techniques in Different Regions of Brazil
Ricardo de Normandes Valadares *
Agrarian and Environmental Sciences Center, Federal University of Maranhão, Chapadinha (UFMA), MA, Brazil
Danieli Andrade Nóbrega
Department of Agronomy, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco (UFRPE), Recife, PE, Brazil
Jordana Antônia dos Santos Silva
Department of Agronomy, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco (UFRPE), Recife, PE, Brazil
Adônis Queiroz Mendes
Department of Agriculture, Federal Institute of Pernambuco (IFPE), Vitória de Santo Antão, Brazil
Fabian Santana Silva
Department of Agronomy, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco (UFRPE), Recife, PE, Brazil
Fernando Antônio Tenório Rocha
Department of Agronomy, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco (UFRPE), Recife, PE, Brazil
Maria da Cruz Chaves Lima Moura
Agrarian and Environmental Sciences Center, Federal University of Maranhão, Chapadinha (UFMA), MA, Brazil
Dimas Menezes
Department of Agronomy, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco (UFRPE), Recife, PE, Brazil
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
This work aimed to evaluate the influence of two types of pruning techniques on agronomic traits of melon genotypes conducted under open greenhouse conditions equipped with a hydroponic system. The experimental design used was a split-plot with 2 pruning techniques x 19 genotypes in 4 replications. The study showed no significant difference within genotypes due to pruning technique (except for the number of days for maturity) and the pruning x genotype interaction. Therefore, the melon could be cultivated no matter the pruning technique used. Nevertheless, pruning based on two secondary branches seemed to be more suitable by preventing them from breaking, compared to that based on main branches. Melon genotype G-10 was found as a good compromise in terms of flowering precocity, fruit yield and quality.
Keywords: Vegetable crop, hydroponic cultivation, agronomic trait, genetic variability, fruit yield, pulp quality, plant staking