Effect of Foliar Application of Zinc Sulfate and Seaweed on Qualitative and Quantitative Characteristics of Local Kermanshah Cantaloupe (Kalak)

The effect of foliar application of zinc sulfate and seaweed on qualitative and quantitative characteristics of local Kermanshah cantaloupe (Cucumis melo L., Cantalupensis Group) cv. Kalak was investigated. After sowing seeds in the field, the plants were sprayed in three stages including the 4-6 leaf stage, flowering and after the fruit set. The experiment had a factorial design based on the randomized complete block design with 9 treatments including various concentrations of zinc sulfate (0.5 and 1 g L-1) and seaweed (0.5 and 1 g L-1) and was repeated three times. The results of analysis of variance showed that zinc sulfate at 0.5 g L-1 and seaweed at 1 g L-1 had significant effects on the weight, length and diameter of the fruit, the weight of the fresh fruit, fresh and dry weight of the plant, and fruit firmness. The highest amount of vitamin C was observed in zinc sulfate at 1 g L-1 and seaweed at 0.5 g L-1. The highest total seed weight was obtained in zinc sulfate at 0.5 g L-1 and seaweed at 1 g L-1. Foliar application of zinc sulfate and seaweed did not have a significant effect on total soluble solids (TSS). However, zinc sulfate at 0.5 g L-1 increased the amount of titratable acid (TA) in the fruit juice. The highest amount of the TSS/TA ratio of the fruits was observed in application of seaweed at 1 g L-1. Overall, the findings of the present study indicated that simultaneous application of zinc sulfate and low concentrations of seaweed extract has a significant effect on many qualitative and quantitative characteristics of “Kalak” Cantaloupe and can be recommended as a biofertilizer.