Nutrients

N Nitrogen
P Phosphorus
K Potassium
Mg Magnesium
Ca Calcium
S Sulfur
B Boron
Mn Manganese
Mo Molybdenum

Melons - Deformation

Symptoms
Young leaves are smaller than normal and may be curled. Yellowing proceeds from the marginal area between the veins towards the center. The youngest leaves show necrotic tips. Stems can crack due to the low cell strength. Plants are stunted or dwarfed as the internodes are shortened. Growing points die back. Flowering and fruit set is poor. Fruits are distorted with a poor skin finish. Hollow heart is more common.

Reasons
Boron deficiency. Deficiencies usually occur when soil moisture contents are too high, or under conditions of high pH.

Boron deficiency made worse by

  • Sandy soils
  • Alkaline soils
  • Soils low in organic matter
  • High levels of nitrogen
  • High levels of calcium
  • Cold wet weather
  • Periods of drought

Boron is important for

  • Stabilization of plant tissues and improved plant and crop strength, working together with Ca
  • Increased crop quality and yield
  • Boron requirement of cucurbits is moderate