Influence of planting time and mulching on yield and quality of direct sown muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.) under low tunnel

Abstract

An investigation was undertaken to study the impact of
date of sowing and mulching under low tunnel conditions
on the growth, yield and quality of direct sown muskmelon
during 2019-20 and 2020-21 at Vegetable Research Farm and
Biochemical Laboratory of Punjab Agricultural University,
Ludhiana. Treatments were comprised of four dates of
sowing (15th November, 15th December, 15th January under
low tunnels and 15th February in open conditions) and two
mulch treatments (black polythene mulch and non-mulch).
Muskmelon hybrid, MH-27 planted on 15th November gave
higher number of fruits (4.0), highest total yield (216.6 q/ha),
ascorbic acid (22 mg/100g) and dry matter (8.6 %). 15th January
planting gave highest vine length (186.8 cm), maximum fruit
diameter (17.6 cm), maximum fruit weight (830.3 g) and TSS
(12 °Brix). Mulched plants exhibited better growth, yield
and quality when compared with non-mulch plants. It is
concluded that muskmelon sown under low tunnel on 15th
November with black polythene mulch offers higher yield
and maximum net returns and B: C ratio.