Evaluation the effects of grafting and different levels of nitrogen on growth and yield of Samsoori melon in field conditions

In this study effect of Ace rootstock and different levels of nitrogen (60, 120, 180 Kg/h) on vegetative growth, yield, quality characteristics of fruit, leaf and fruit nitrogen concentration of Cucumis melo cv. Samsoori as a factorial experiment in Completely Randomized block Design evaluated in field condition in 2013. Increasing nitrogen levels from 60 to 120 kg.ha–1 increased marketable yield by 23.4%, whereas increasing nitrogen rate from 120 to 180 kg.ha–1 decreased muskmelon yield by 19.7%. Marketable yield was higher (18.85%) in grafted in relation to non-grafted plants. Yield per plant, marketable fruit number and total yield per plant was higher in grafted plants. Fruit flesh firmness decreased in response to an increase in nitrogen fertilization and the highest values recorded on plants receiving 60 kg nitrogen per hectare. Fruit dry matter percent in fruits harvested from grafted plants were significantly higher than non-grafted plants. Total soluble solid and pH not affected by grafting and nitrogen amount. Stem length was also affected by grafting and highest stem length (212/17 cm) obtained in grafted plants, whereas lowest stem length (173/56 cm) were recorded in the non-grafted plants. Nitrogen concentration in leaf and fruits of grafted plants was higher than non-grafted. According to results, use of grafting and appropriate rate of nitrogen (120 kg) can improve growth and yield of muskmelon plants.