N-NO₃ from cellular extract as an indicator of nutritional status of cantaloupe muskmelon in fertigation

Abstract: In cantaloupe farming (Cucumis melo L.), the production of export quality fruit require nutritional indicators that allow an adequate management of nitrogen fertilization and irrigation water supply. This study with cantaloupe muskmelon was carried out to test four nitrogen fertilization treatments and three levels of soil moisture tension under field conditions. Nitrate content (N-NO₃) in the cellular extract was evaluated as an indicator of nutritional status. Significant correlation was found between the lowest nitrate concentrations in the petiole sap and the N fertilization doses in three different sample periods. The effect of soil moisture tension on nitrate concentration varied in both years; this was attributed to soil temperature differences. Results showed that it is feasible to establish outcome predictions of yield and quality of the fruit based on the nitrate concentration in petiole sap, concluding that this is an adequate indicator of the nutritional status of the cantaloupe plant. However, its use as a guide for managing fertilization and irrigation must include a permanent follow up of the crop that evaluates the effects of environmental factors in plant growth and uptake of the nutrients.