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EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT MULCH MATERIALS ON PLANT GROWTH, SOME QUALITY PARAMETERS AND YIELD IN MELON (CUCUMIS MELO L.) CULTIVARS IN HIGH ALTITUDE ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITION

MELEK EKINCI AND ATILLA DURSUN^*

Abstract: A study was carried out to determine the effects of different mulch materials on plant growth, some quality properties and yield in melon cultivars in high altitude environmental condition. Clear mulch application affected more plant growth than the other applications. Fruit width, fruit length, dry matter in fruit, total soluble solid, color, husk thickness, fruit fresh thickness, fruit firmness, pH, total and reducing sugar of the cultivars were investigated. The effects of mulch application in terms of the characters were significant depending on the cultivars. Average fruit weight of the cultivars was significantly high in mulch application, especially clear mulch application when compared to control. Marketable yield in melon cultivars was different based on the years. The highest marketable yield was obtained from clear mulch application as compared to control. Average marketable yield in the study years increased by 25-28% in clear plastic mulch and 15% in black plastic mulch compared to the control application. Soil temperature in clear and black mulch applications were higher (5-8^oC and 1-4^oC respectively) than that of control application.

Department of Horticulture, Agriculture Faculty, Atatürk University, TR-25240 Erzurum, Turkey.