Does Water Stress after Fruit Development in Melon Affect Fruit Quality and Nutrient Uptake?

Authors : Musa Seymen, Mustafa Paksoy, Duran Yavuz, Rufeyde Nur Özen, Deniz Metin

Pages : 144-155

Doi:10.29278/azd.1816514

View : 76 | Download : 67

Publication Date : 2025-12-29

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Objectives: In order to save irrigation water in melon cultivation, water stress was applied at different rates from fruit growth to harvest. Materials and Methods: A total of six different experimental treatments were established including full irrigation applied throughout the season (control-I100) and five different water stress regimes (I80, I60, I40, I20, and I0) corresponding to 80 %, 60 %, 40 %, 20 %, and 0 % of water given to the S100 subject, respectively, during the fruit development stage until harvesting. Results: As a result of the study, water stress caused significant changes in fruit quality as well as significant differences in nutrient element uptake. Water stress applied to melon caused a decrease in P and K uptake of approximately 25% and 20%, respectively. In addition, it provided an increase of 74%, 46%, 71% and 40% in Ca, Mg, Mn and B intakes, respectively, while it increased Fe intake by approximately 5.5 times. Increased water stress reduced the absorption of macronutrients from the soil, especially in melon, and also caused negative effects on fruit quality. Conclusion: When the parameters examined in this study were evaluated together, no significant differences were found between I80 (20% water stress) application and I100 (full irrigation) subjects.
Keywords : Cucumis melo L., kısıtlı sulama, meyve rengi, küresel iklim değişikliği, bitki besin elementi

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