Author
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Russo, Vincent |
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Bruton, Benny |
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Popham, Thomas |
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Submitted to: Cucurbitacea
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal Publication Acceptance Date: 7/8/2002 Publication Date: 12/14/2002 Citation: Russo, V.M., Bruton, B.D., Popham, T.W. A quantitative model of melon (Cucumis melo var. cantalupensis) plant development. Cucurbitacea. 2002. p. 393-403. Interpretive Summary: Various members of the cucurbit family exhibit differences in plant development and these may be affected by environmental factors. Growth and development for cantaloupe, a member of the cucurbit family, have not been systematically studied. Seed of cantaloupe, cv. Magnum 45, were sown on 4 May 1998 and 17 May and 14 June 1999 in fields at Lane, OK to determine the effect of planting date on plant development. Measurements of runner lengths and weights; leaf number, area and weight; and fruit volume and weight were obtained. The measurements were fitted to a mathematical model designed to predict growth. Plants from the June planting had a longer primary runner, more leaves with a greater leaf area and dry weight, and higher above ground vegetative and total plant dry weights. For the June planting, leaf area, leaf dry weight, total above ground vegetative and total plant dry weight was still increasing at harvest of the first fruit. Development for this cultivar appears to be affected by environmental conditions with a June planting at this location being better for melon development than a May planting. The data describe a model for melon development. However, it is expected that changes in cultivars, cultural methods, or environmental conditions can affect development and, in turn, in size and quality of fruit. Technical Abstract: A "Conceptual Model" for cucurbit biomass partitioning has been proposed, but systematic measurements of melon plant development have not been undertaken. Seeds of melon cv. Magnum 45 were planted on 4 May 1998, 17 May 1999 and 14 June 1999. From plant emergence to 70-days post-emergence (harvest of the first fruit), length and weight measurements of above ground parts were accumulated. Distribution of the lateral runners, the number of leaves on all runners, the leaf area, leaf dry weight, total above ground vegetative dry weight and total above ground plant dry weight were fit to the formula: Y = a+b/(1+EXP(-X-c)/d)). Vines from the May plantings in both years were similar in many aspects of development. Plants from the June planting had a longer primary runner, more leaves with a greater leaf area and dry weight, and higher above ground vegetative and total plant dry weights. As planting date was later the leaf area per gram of fruit dry weight decreased. For the June planting, leaf area, leaf dry weight, total above ground vegetative and total plant dry weight was still increasing at harvest of the first fruit. Development for this cultivar was affected by planting date, which is likely a reflection of environmental conditions. The data describe a model provides for melon development. However, it is expected that changes in cultivars, cultural methods, or environmental conditions can affect development and, in turn, in size and quality of fruit. |
