EVALUATION OF EASTERN STYLE MUSKMELONS

EVALUATION OF EASTERN STYLE MUSKMELONS

for SOUTHERN OHIO 1997

Brad R. Bergefurd, Extension Agent, Horticulture

Thom C. Harker, Research Assistant, Horticulture

The Ohio State University Extension Enterprise Center

1864 Shyville Road, Piketon, Ohio 45661-9749

This Eastern style muskmelon cultivar trial compared 13 cultivars using 4 replications of each cultivar. Objectives were to evaluate potential muskmelon cultivars for their suitability in a southern Ohio growing season. The plots were located at the Ohio State University Enterprise Center research and demonstration plots in Hillsboro, Ohio.

METHODS:

Planting: Seeded 4/24/97 into 50- cell Pro Trays using a peat-vermiculite soilless mix. Cells were thinned as needed to 1 plant per cell. Plants were field planted on June 10, 1997 using a Water Wheel Planter.

Spacing: Rows were 5 feet apart, with plants set onto raised beds at 34" spacing between plants in the row. The beds were covered with silver reflective on black plastic mulch with trickle irrigation under the mulch prior to planting. 7 plants per plot (5' x 20') provided a plant density of approximately 3,046 plants per acre.

Soil Type: Haubstadt Silt Loam

Fertilizer: Applied 120 lbs. N, 120 lbs. P2O5 and 120 lbs. K2O per acre prior to laying plastic mulch according to soil test recommendations. 20-20-20 (1 lb./100 gallon water, 8 oz. per plant) with transplanting water.

Weed Control: 4 pt. / Acre Curbit 3EC preplant between rows on 5/ /97; hand hoed and cultivated as necessary.

Pest Management: 2.5 fl. Oz. Furadan 4F per 1000 linear feet of row applied as a 7 inch spray band over the row prior to laying the plastic mulch. 1 qt. / acre Thiodan 3 EC on 7/11 and 8/12. 2 lb./ acre BRAVO Ultrex on 7/11, 7/29, 8/12 and 8/20.

Irrigation: Trickle irrigated on 8/11, 8/14, 8/18, 8/26.

Harvests (4): 8/12, 8/19, 8/27, 8/29

RESULTS:

There was average fruit set and yield throughout the harvest season. Bacterial Wilt, a disease vectored by the cucumber beetle became increasingly prevalent towards the end of our harvest. Harvest yield and quality attributes were collected and observed.

The cultivar Quasar had the largest average fruit weight.

Superstar had the largest total number of marketable fruit per acre for the season.

HMX 0586 had the second largest total number of marketable fruit per acre and the fourth most marketable ton of fruit per acre in the early harvest. The % soluble solids was very similar to those of the cultivar Superstar.

With field trials similar to this, Muskmelon crops can fit into the production scheme for southern Ohio growers. The growing season and average daily heat units seem to be adequate to produce a high quality melon crop. The long range goal is to utilize the existing agricultural infrastructure of southern Ohio to introduce these muskmelon cultivars as an alternative crop for southern Ohio producers.