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Plant Science Today (PST)

Research Articles

Early Access

Enhancing yield and quality of muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.) through strategic planting dates and mulching techniques in low tunnel conditions

DOI
https://doi.org/10.14719/pst.9227
Submitted
1 May 2025
Published
13-08-2025
Versions

Abstract

Climate change and a growing population demand the adoption of new technologies to enhance food production. Off-season cultivation of muskmelon facilitates early market availability, meeting food demands and ensuring better prices for farmers. To evaluate the growing conditions for muskmelon under Punjab’s agro-climatic conditions, an experiment was conducted from 2019-2021 at the Vegetable Research Farm, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. This study was aimed to assess the influence of planting time during the offseason on the growth, yield and quality parameters of muskmelon. The study included eight treatments, comprising four planting dates-15th November, 15th December and 15th January under low tunnels and 15th February under open-field conditions combined with two mulching treatments: black polyethylene mulch and no mulch. Various meteorological, growth, yield and economic parameters were assessed. The results revealed that low tunnels and mulching significantly influenced soil and air temperatures and relative humidity. Enhanced plant growth was observed under low tunnels, with the longest vine length at maturity recorded for the January sowing. The highest number of fruits per plant was recorded in the February and November sowings. The maximum total yield was achieved with the November planting, followed by the December planting, attributed to enhanced photosynthetic activity under low tunnels. Black polyethylene mulch also significantly improved plant growth, yield and fruit quality compared to bare soil. The highest net returns were obtained with the 15th November transplanting under low tunnels combined with black polyethylene mulch, yielding a cost-benefit ratio of 1:2.06.

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