Irrigation frequency and amount affect yield and quality of field-grown melon (Cucumis melo L.)

This study was conducted to determine the most suitable irrigation frequency and quantity for field-grown melon. Irrigation quantities were determined based on pan evaporation (E-pan) from a screened Class-A pan. Four different irrigation treatments employing two different irrigation intervals (11: 6 days; 12: 12 days) and two different plant-pan coefficients (K(cp)1: 0.60; K(cp)2: 0.90) were tested. Total irrigation quantities (I-r), plant water consumption (E,), and melon yields varied from 405 to 549 mm, 481-637 mm and 18.0-32.4 Mg ha(-1), respectively. The highest yield was obtained from the treatment employing the greatest frequency and quantity of irrigation (I1K(cp)2). Most fruit traits were significantly affected by differences in irrigation treatment. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.