THE EFFECTS OF CO2 APPLIED THROUGH IRRIGATION WATER ON MELON CROP IN PROTECTED CULTIVATION

J.M. Pinto, T.A. Botrel, E.C. Machado, J.C. Feitosa Filho
The artificial increase of CO2 concentration for obtaining products in greater quantity and with a better quality permit us to learn how plants adapt themselves in environment with high CO2 concentration. In this research, the CO2 assimilation rate and the productivity of melon crop (Cucumis melo, L.) were quantified, and the chemical characteristics of the fruits were evaluated at harvest. The study was carried out in greenhouse conditions with carbon dioxide applied through irrigation water to determine its effects on melon crop production and CO2 assimilation rate. A trickle irrigation system was used. The dose of CO2 used was 50 kg.ha-1 from transplanting to harvest. The carbon dioxide application through irrigation water did not alter the melon crop season, and it did not affect the chemical characteristics in the fruit such as soluble solids content, total acidity and pH. The highest yield (28.68 t.ha-1) and CO2 assimilation rate were obtained with carbon dioxide application.
Pinto, J.M., Botrel, T.A., Machado, E.C. and Feitosa Filho, J.C. (2000). THE EFFECTS OF CO2 APPLIED THROUGH IRRIGATION WATER ON MELON CROP IN PROTECTED CULTIVATION. Acta Hortic. 537, 267-272
DOI: 10.17660/ActaHortic.2000.537.29
https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2000.537.29
Cucumis melo, photosynthesis, drip irrigation, fruit quality.

Acta Horticulturae