2017 ASHS Annual Conference

Organic farming is the fastest growing sector in the field of agriculture due to the severe health related problems from environmental pollution. Out of the 103 varieties of melons analyzed for quality, adaptability, yield, and biomass production two cultivars, Pride of Wisconsin and Charentais (French cultivar), were selected to raise on Memphis Silt Loam soil (Typic Hapludalf, silty, mixed, thermic) in southwest region of Mississippi. These melons received three treatments of composted organic manures (cow-C; poultry-P; cow and poultry-C+P) in a split-plot Randomized Complete Block design. Fruit quality attributes including total soluble solids, rind pressure, flesh thickness and pressure, cavity length and width, average fruit weight, yield, Vitamin C, and biomass development were evaluated for these Melons. Pride of Wisconsin and Charentais were high in fruit weight and skin pressure under organic P-treatment. Flesh thickness, seed cavity width, and TSS were high for both varieties of melons under C+P. The vitamin C content in Pride of Wisconsin was high for cow manure, followed by poultry, and least in C+P. Fruit length, width, and seed cavity length were high for Pride of Wisconsin under poultry manure. Flesh pressure was high in Pride of Wisconsin for cow treatment. While Charentais was high in biomass production, the yield was high in Wisconsin. Both varieties of melons respond well to these organic manures and are highly adapted to this region, without any pests or diseases. Commercial organic production of these cultivars are strongly recommended for this region.