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Project Details:
Images
Methodology
Objectives
Justification
Low sugar accumulation in muskmelon fruits is a major marketing problem for growers in humid regions of the U.S. (South Texas, Florida, the mid-west) and Central America (8% brix or less, melons are not legally marketable in the U.S.). Potassium (K) is the major regulator of sugar accumulation (% brix) in fruits and vegetables; and in photosynthesis derived human wellness compounds – ascorbic acid, carotenoids and folic acid. The problem lies in the fact that K is mainly taken up during the vegetative stage of plant growth (Beringer et al., 1986). Therefore, soil derived K, which is essential for sugar transport into the fruit, is not optimal during fruit development. Additionally, with root mineral uptake, K competes with magnesium and calcium (Watkins, 1989), two essential minerals needed for melon fruit membrane structure, function and postharvest shelf-life (Lester and Grusak, 1999).
In an effort to overcome soil K uptake inadequacy during cantaloupe fruit development, we plan to set-up a greenhouse study examining the effect of foliar applied K in combination with normal fertigation supplied K during spring (high sugar accumulation) and fall (low sugar accumulation) production periods. Two sources of foliar K will be evaluated… potassium metalosate and potassium chloride (KCl). Foliar applied K will be delivered to the leaves and fruit during fruit growth and maturation, and its effect on earliness, fruit size, fruit weight, fruit firmness, and fruit sugar, and the three of the most critical human health compounds ascorbic acid, beta-carotene, and folic acid will be examined.
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