FLOWERING, VEGETATIVE GROWTH, YIELD, AND FRUIT-QUALITY IN MUSKMELONS UNDER SALINE CONDITIONS

The muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.) cultivars Topmark, Galia, No. 1, and B G-84-3 (BG) were examined in a field test for the influence of increas ed salt concentration (700, 2500, 5000, 7500, and 10,000 ppm) on flowe r production, vegetative growth, yield, and fruit quality. Increased s alinity did not affect the number or timing of staminate and pistillat e flowers produced. Increased salinity significantly and to the same e xtent reduced vegetative growth in the four cultivars. Increased salin ity did not affect the number of fruit produced in the four cultivars but reduced mean fruit weight in three. Mean fruit weight and yield of 'BG' were not reduced; i.e., 'BG' was salt tolerant. Increased salini ty increased the soluble solids concentration and slightly improved fr uit appearance of all cultivars.