Melon - all articles

The initial phase of watermelon growth is critical and sets the stage for optimal crop production and maximum yield potential. Providing the crop with the most favorable nutrition program makes all the difference in promoting early root and leaf growth.

High yields are obtained on freely drained soils where water is not limiting. A balanced crop nutrition is essential for achieving high yields.

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.

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 temperatures need to be closely monitored, to improve shelf life.

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

Calcium is a key component in maintaining the structure of cell walls and stabilizing cell membranes. It has a major role in reducing melon glassiness.

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.

Melons may either turn yellow and die or alternatively they are poorly developed with a spongy, soft feel at the stylar end.

Your melon crop require the right nutrients, at the right time, to achieve the best results possible. Here is an overview of the role of nutrients by melon growth stages.

The vast majority of melons – and virtually all watermelons - are produced in the field. Some cooler climate crops are grown under tunnels to bring forward harvest and catch early markets.

Elaborated by our specialists, Yara's fertilizer program for melons can help you to achieve excellent crop performance.