The Effect of Number of Branches and Level of Nitrogen Fertilizer on Growth and Yield of Melon (Cucumis melo L.)

Abstract

This study was conducted with the aim of examining the effect of the number of branches and the level of nitrogen fertilization on the growth and yield of melon (Cucumis melo L.). The study was conducted using a factorial completely randomized design (CRD) with two factors, namely, the number of branches (J1: 1 branch and J2: 2 branches) and the level of nitrogen fertilization (N150, N175, N200, N225 and N250). Observation parameters included plant length, number of leaves, leaf area, flowering time, number of flowers, chlorophyll content, and fruit yield (quality). The results showed that the number of branches and the level of nitrogen fertilizer gave significant results on growth parameters. The application of a higher nitrogen fertilizer level of 250 kg N ha-1 generally increased plant growth in the 1 branch treatment (J1) and increased fruit weight in the 2 branch treatment (J2). This study indicates that the right number of branches and nitrogen fertilization levels can increase melon production.