Production and Fruit Quality of Specialty Melons Grown In a Passively-Ventilated Greenhouse

As demand for higher quality fruit continues, increases in specialty melon (Cucumis melo L.) varieties with high soluble solids content (SSC) and longer shelf-life have also risen. In an effort to provide consumers with high-quality fruit, seed companies have focused on promoting specialty melons to both field and greenhouse producers. Due to lack of commercial greenhouse melon growers in the United States, seed companies in N. America lack information regarding production and quality of greenhouse-grown specialty melons. The objective of this study was to evaluate yield and fruit quality of specialty melons grown in a passively-ventilated greenhouse. During spring 2008, 26 melon lines were evaluated at the University of Florida Protected Agriculture Greenhouse, located in Citra, FL. Of the 26 lines, 14 were ‘Charentais’-type cantaloupes (CT), four ‘Galia’-type muskemelons (GT), three Magenta-type melons (MT), three shipper-type cantaloupes (SC), one true ‘Galia’ muskmelon, and one Piel de Sapo melon. These lines were supplied by Western Seed, Nunhems, Zeraim Gedera and Hazera seed companies. The study was conducted in a randomized-complete-block design with three replications. Plant density was 2.5 plants/m². Seedlings were transplanted on 10 March 2008. Harvests occurred 11 May through 16 June 2008. Data were recorded for days to harvest (DTH), fruit yield and quality (weight, size, flesh thickness, SSC and internal firmness). Differences were recorded for all variables measured except total kg/plant and total kg/m². Lines WS5019 (CT) and WS5020 (CT) averaged the lowest DTH at 38, while Piel de Sapo remained on the vine the longest with 58 DTH. Average fruit number per plant varied from 5.3 fruits [WS5031 (CT)] to 1.7 fruits [WS6062583 (SC)]. Average fruit weight ranged from 0.57 kg [WS5031 (CT)] to 2.3 kg [WS6062583 (SC)]. WS5021 (CT) produced fruit with the smallest length, width and flesh thickness while [WS6062583 (SC)] was among the largest fruits. Total fruit yield (kg^.m²) was similar among all lines and ranged from 6.5 (‘Galia’) to 11 kg^.m² [NUN8511 (SC)]. SSC was greater than 10 °Brix for all lines except ‘Elario’ (GT) and WS6062583 (SC) (mean 7.4 °Brix). ‘Galia’, WS5019 (CT) and WS6062583 (SC) had the least firm fruit (mean 12.8 N), while WS5026 (CT) produced the firmest fruit (54 N). Specialty melons may have a place for greenhouse growers, especially in Florida where high humidity and rainfall can reduced fruit quality, thus, U.S. seed industries must be prepared to supply the best types of melons and cultivars possible.