Hi
Muskmelon is a fruit crop cultivated widely by farmers in our country particularly during the summer season. The fruit is used for making sherbets and desserts which have a cooling effect on the body. The seedlings are raised in protrays which are filled with cocopeat and grown in a shade net nursery under protected condition. They are ready for transplanting in the main field on 12th day of sowing,
The root growth is excellent when the seedlings are grown in protrays and the seedlings are resistant to pests and diseases. All the plants are uniform, healthy and the portrays can be easily taken to the main field for transplanting.
Seed Rate
1.5-2.0 kg/acre
About 20,000 seedlings are required for planting in one hectare.
Fertilizers
(a).FYM Application
6 ton well rotted at the time of field preparation
(b).FYM Application
20 Kg Nitrogen, 10Kg Phosphorus, 10kg Potassium
(c).Time of application
Full dose of P, K & half dose of N during sowing
(d).Method of Fertilizer Application
Broadcast in furrow, mix & earthing up
(e).Dose of Fertilizer Application
Full dose of phosphors and potassium & ? N at sowing time. Remaining N in two split doses, 30 & 40 days after sowing.
Under normal practices harvesting can be done after the 75th day after planting.
Major pests affecting the crop are beetles, white flies and fruit borers. Beetles and white flies can be controlled by spraying 2gms of Carboryl or 0.5 gms of Acetamopride diluted in one litre of water. Spraying 2 ml of Trizophos or 2gm of Thiodicarb or Methomil in one litre of water is found effective for the control of fruit borers.
The fruit weight is also more compared fetches a good price in the market due to higher sweet content and shelf life.
contact Dr. I. Muthuvel, Assistant Professor, Horticulture, TNAU, Coimbatore: 641 003, Tamil Nadu, mobile: 94437-15948 for detailed information.
Regards
Ashwini S
