Yield and quality of 'gália' melon grown in coconut fiber under different concentrations of macronutrients in the nutrient solution

ABSTRACT The cultivation of the 'Gália' netted melon in hydroponic systems under protected conditions has increased recently. However, the information on nutrient solutions for melon soilless cultivation is still very generalized, which requires studies adapted to the local conditions and the large existing variety of cultivars. With the objective of evaluating the effects of different concentrations of macronutrients in the nutrient solution on the production and quality of 'Gália' melon (Cucumis melo L., hybrid 'Babilonia RZ F1') grown in substrate of coconut fiber, an experiment was conducted in randomized blocks, with five treatments and five replicates. The treatments, concentrations of macronutrients in the nutrient solution, were based on the standard solution recommended by the literature (100%) and the others were obtained from dilutions of this standard solution in tap water (75, 50, 25 and 12.5%). The analyses of the results showed that the variables mean fruit weight, longitudinal diameter and transverse diameter were qua-dratically influenced by the concentrations of the nutrient solution. The concentration of 47% led to the highest mean fruit weight. The increase in the concentration of the solution reduced the content of soluble solids of the fruit by 11.8%.