Effect of Foliar Spray with 6-Benzylamiopurin on Growth and Fruit Yeild of Melon (Cucumis melo. L. cv.  Semsuri')

Melon (cv. ‘Semsuri’) is widely cultivated in Iran and therefore increasing the fruit yield and quality is necessary. Some growth regulators including 6-Benzylaminopurin (BAP) may affect plant growth and development. In two field trials, impact of BAP was studied on growth and fruit yield of melon. In first experiment, growth parameters of plants were recorded after 10 days of foliar treatment (6-7 leaf stage) with 0, 10, 20 and 40 mg l-1 BAP. In second experiment, plants were foliar sprayed with BAP at two growth stages (6-7 leaf and after fruit set stages). In both experiments, 40 mg l-1 BAP was most effective when compared to control, one spray increased relative water content, chlorophyll index, plant fresh weight, rind firmness and fruit yield by 16, 24, 26, 5 and 22%, respectively. High correlation coefficients were observed between fruit yield and other growth parameters recorded, so it may be concluded that fruit yield can be improved by promotion of growth parameters.