Role of Phosphorus in Melon Production

Thus it has a direct effect on yield and quality.

Phosphorus and yield

Phosphorus is used throughout the growth period, ensuring a good start and continued growth of a higher yielding crop (cv. Galia, Israel).

Phosphorus and fruit weight

Trials in China with watermelons have proven that phosphorus also increases fruit weight.

Phosphorus and fruit set, yield and quality

It is particularly important to have adequate phosphorus prior to flowering as phosphorus increases fruit set encouraging higher yields and producing thicker skins. Deficiencies can result in flower abortion (cv. Arka Manik – watermelon, India).

Phosphorus and maturity

An adequate supply of phosphorus is needed during fruit growth to ensure early maturity (cv. Galia, Israel).

Phosphorus and TSS

Supplies throughout the season also help ensure the production of high quality fruit with a high sugar content (cv. Galia, Israel).

Phosphorus and hollow heart

The use of foliar phosphate 15 days prior to harvest has been shown to reduce the incidence of hollow heart in watermelon (watermelon, China).

See more on Melon Growth Stages.

General guidelines for Phosphorus application

Phosphorus is not needed in large quantities. Around 0,6 kg per ton of fruit is all that is required during the season for field grown crops. Phosphorus is used throughout the growth period. It is generally applied early and up to fruit set, ensuring supplies are not limiting. Phosphorus is readily redistributed throughout the plant.

Phosphorus deficiencies in melon

Phosphorus deficiency results in smaller leaves which have a dull, dark green color. A purple discoloration of leaves and petioles may be seen on the underside of leaves. The stem is short and thin, and fruit is small with a dull green to bronze tint. At flowering, deficiency results in abortion of female flowers.