The effect of transplanting date and covering on the growth and development of melon (Cucumis melo L.)

The effect of different transplanting dates (May 15, May 25, and June 4) and date of polypropylene fiber removal (4 and 8 weeks after transplanting, and control without covering) on the growth, development, and yield of melon (Cucumis melo L.) were investigated. The experiment was carried out during 2008–2010 in eastern Poland (51°53'23.64" N, 22°27'47.96" E). Plants planted on May 15 were longer by 22% and 56%, weighed more by 39% and 76%, and their leaf area index (LAI) was higher by 24% and 117% compared to plants planted on May 24 and June 4, respectively. However, delayed planting reduced the period of growth and development by 7 and 17 days, respectively. When the covering application period was extended from 4 to 8 weeks, stem length increased by an average of 23% and LAI by 38%, but harvest was delayed by 6 days. The respective yields of melon fruits planted on May 15, May 25, and June 4 amounted to 5.09, 4.73, and 3.99 kg m−2. The covering of plants planted at each date contributed to an increase in yield and in the share of marketable fruit yield in the total yield. However, the length of the cover application period did not affect yield levels.