In many areas, dairies and other concentrated animal operations must modify their waste handling systems. Utilization of locally produced manures by vegetable production operations may increase crop yields while preventing discharge of potentially polluting nutrients into waterways. Composting is often recommended to stabilize nutrients, lower the volume of manure, and produce a product that may control some plant diseases. However, composting has costs in time and equipment, so some growers prefer using uncomposted manure. Dairy manure compost at 22 (LC), 45 (MC), or 90 (HC) t·ha–1 or dairy lot scrapings at 45 t·ha–1 (FM) were tilled into soil before seeding a dryland cantaloupe (Cucumis melo L.) crop. All plots, including an unamended control (UC), were fertilized with a total of 23N–14P–0K (kg·ha–1). After removal of the cantaloupe in late summer, drip irrigation was added, broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis Mill.) seedlings were transplanted into the identical plots, and 112N (kg·ha–1) was sidedressed. Cantaloupe yields from FM, LC, MC, HC, and UC plots were 5.4, 3.4, 2.1, 4.5, and 1.5 t·ha–1, respectively. Broccoli yields from FM, LC, MC, HC, and UC plots were 4.1, 3.6, 4.4, 4.1, and 2.2 t·ha–1, respectively. All rates of compost or manure increased yields of cantaloupe, and the subsequent broccoli crop. Use of the manure resulted in highest increase in potential net income from sales of cantaloupe and broccoli.
Abstract
Anatomical changes which take place in conjunction with abscission of cantaloupe fruits (Cucumis melo L. cv. Powdery Mildew Resistant No. 45) include cell separation and cell collapse. Structural modifications in abscission zone cell walls are accompanied by histochemical changes which include losses of pectins and insoluble polysaccharides. Development of a separation cavity is consistently correlated with physiologically defined stages of fruit maturity, and the time of abscission coincides with the peak of the respiratory climacteric. Anatomical and histochemical changes similar to those in cantaloupe also take place in honeydew fruits (Cucumis melo L. cv. Honeydew). However, the abscission zone of honeydews is not structurally well defined, changes are limited to certain parenchyma cells, and the honeydew fruits do not normally abscise. It is suggested that the most desirable growth regulator for use on cantaloupes to accelerate and unify the time of fruit ripening would be one which did not coincidentally accelerate abscission.
Clomazone was evaluated for reemergence weed control in summer squash, watermelon, cantaloupe, cucumber, and pumpkin. Clomazone was applied preplant incorporated or surface-applied after planting. All crops exhibited varying degrees of chlorosis in the cotyledonary stage and first one to three true leaves. Cucurbit tolerance to clomazone was pumpkin = squash > cucumber > watermelon > cantaloupe. Method of application did not affect crop vigor. Some pumpkin cultivars were more tolerant than others. Clomazone controlled Brachiaria platyphylla and Portulaca oleracea with both methods of application. Surface application provided better control of Amaranthus hybridus and A. spinosa. Mollugo verticillata was not controlled. Preplant incorporated application of clomazone tended to reduce the yield of watermelon.
Abstract
Thirty-one cultivars of muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.) were evaluated for their response to foliar dusting sulfur applications. Most cultivars were highly resistant to sulfur injury. Resistance was variable among cantaloupe types (Reticulatus group); all winter melon types (Inodorus group) were resistant.
Abstract
Fresh vegetables from the West Coast of Mexico are a significant factor in filling the bins of markets and supermarkets of the U.S. from October to June. The most important crops involved in this operation are: tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, eggplant, green beans, squash, cantaloupes and watermelons with asparagus, sweet corn, sugar peas, and perhaps other vegetables available in lesser volume.
Abstract
β-1, 3-glucanase (laminarinase, EC 3.2.1.6) activity was detected in apples, asparagus, beets, cantaloupes, carrots, cherries, cucumbers, peaches, squash and tomatoes. During ripening in peaches and tomatoes, enzyme activities increased as fruit firmness decreased. Gel chromatography revealed that some of the extracts contained two β-1, 3-glucanases differing in molecular weight, pH optimum, and thermostability.
Cantaloupe (Cucumis melo L., cv. Hiline) were planted following over-wintering cover crops. In replicated field trials, stand development for 7 different cover crops and their effects on incidence of weeds, insects, diseases, and nematodes was assessed. Effects of cover crops on yield and quality of cantaloupe were evaluated. Cover crops evaluated were rye, crimson clover, lentils, subterranean clover, `Vantage' vetch, mustard, a polyculture of all cover crops and control-fallow. No insecticides were applied and only two applications of fungicides were made. Fertilizer applications were significantly reduced. No differences among cover crops for any of pest nematodes were observed. Significant differences in populations of beneficial and pest insects were observed. Polyculture had the highest plant vigor rating. The highest marketable yield occurred following crimson clover.
In the fall of 1990, a new form of whitefly, tentatively identified as the poinsettia strain of Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius), was introduced into the agricultural regions of the desert southwest. Large densities of whitefly nymphs developed on cruciferous crops and substantial increases in pesticides for whitefly control were used. After overwintering in active stages on these crops, whiteflies moved into spring cantaloupes and developed moderate populations levels in some fields. In March, whiteflies migrated to newly-planted cotton and developed huge densities by August. At this time emerging fall cantaloupe was attacked and over 95% of this crop was destroyed by whitefly feeding. Whiteflies also developed to damaging numbers on alfalfa, grapes, citrus, crops not known to host the cotton strain of B. tabaci. Population densities remained high through the fall crucifer and lettuce seasons causing crop losses and delayed maturity. Damage estimates presently rest at roughly $122 million.
Field and laboratory experiments were conducted to study the effect of soil applied (Carbofuran) Furadan on watermelon and cantaloupe yields. Yields were significantly (p≤ 0.05) greater when Furadan was used than when it was not. The observed yield increases may have been due to factors other than just the insecticidal properties. Other systemic insecticides demonstrated no similar increase in yield. Yield increases were also evident even when plants were grown in sterile soil. Yield increase was due to a significant increase in the first harvest of watermelon and the first three harvests of cantaloupe. Numbers of fruit and average wt/fruit were increased for watermelon at the first harvest. Midwest growers usually receive the highest price per pound of watermelon at the first harvest. This significant increase in early harvest more than pays for the application of the chemical.
Bare soil, 13 different polyethylene mulching films, and K-Mulch kenaf paper film were compared to one another for use in early spring production of cantaloupe melons. The mulching treatments were applied to the top of raised beds spaced 200 cm apart in late January and seed of the cantaloupe variety Cruiser were planted in early February. Treatments were replicated five times in a complete randomized block design. Plots were irrigated throughout the season utilizing a drip irrigation system. Crop responses to mulches throughout the growing season were determined by measuring vine growth, fruit yield, Fruit quality and earliness. Mulch tensile strength was determined throughout the season, and ease of cleanup and disposal were evaluated after the growing season. Differences were recorded for treatments particularly regarding ease of cleanup.