How nutrient management can affect melons

Melon plants are frost susceptible and low temperatures can cause growth abnormalities, poor flower and fruit set. Insects, in particular bees, are important to aid pollination and fruit set. Melon fruit set and weight is also influenced by the right...

The sweeter the melon, the better the end quality. Sweetness is assessed by Total Soluble Solids (TSS) content. This can be measured by hand refractometers.

To avoid melon fruit cracking, growers can select more tolerant melon varieties and grow them on soils where drainage is not a problem and where water supply can be properly managed.

Melons are best packed in the field to minimize bruising during transportation. They should never be stacked on their ends. The blossom end, in particular, is weak and can be crushed. Melons are also susceptible to chilling damage, so storage...

Melon netting is the waxy, raised crisscross, net-like protecting structure found on the rind of some Cantaloupe types.

Low calcium supply can induce an early softening, or glassiness appearance of melon fruits, while the fruit is still immature.

Most melon consumers are looking for a fruit with firm flesh. Melon firmness is therefore key.

Blossom end rot (BER) is a physiological disorder in melon fruits. As a result of blossom end rot, young melon fruit may be lost. Older fruit develop brown crust-like lesions at the blossom end of the fruit.

Hollow heart and white heart are physiologically related pulp disorders. They occur as a result of environmental and growth stresses, including nutrition deficiencies. It is most common in watermelon, early on in the season, when conditions quickly...

Melons may either turn yellow and die or alternatively they are poorly developed with a spongy, soft feel at the stylar end. This end is also slightly pointed. Seed close to the disorder is poorly developed. Spongy end occurs as a result of poor...

The aim of any producer is a high yielding, high quality melon crop that satisfies the end user.

The aim of any producer is a high quality crop that satisfies the end user.

For a healthy, productive plant, proper nutrition must be maintained from seeding to plant maturity.

Browse the complete list of all the melon articles pages to see how crop nutrition affects melon yield, quality, health or effect on the environment and see the roles of different nutrients