Melons
Cantaloupe,
Muskmelon, Honeydew, Crenshaw, Casaba, etc.
Cucumis
melo
TYPES AND VARIETIES
 The currently accepted
protocol is to divide all melons into two categories -- melons and watermelons.
Melon fruit show extreme variations from the common muskmelon, sometimes
looking more like an orange, banana, or cucumber! Fruit may be oval, oblong
or very long and slender. They may vary in length from three or four inches
to more than three feet (snake cucumber-which is really a melon). The surface
may be white, grayish green, golden yellow, orange or black! It may be sutured
(ribbed or grooved), smooth, or netted (covered with a network of corky
tissue). When it occurs, netting may be rope-like and prominant or flat-surfaced,
fine, and less conspicuous. The flesh may be white, green, salmon pink or
orange. It may be sweet, aromatic, spicy, bland, or a combination of these.
Although all melons
are classified as Cucumis melo, several "botanical or varietal" subdivisions
are recognized. Some of these are:
C. melo
var. cantaloupensis (true cantaloupes) are not commonly grown in
the U.S.A. They have deeply grooved fruit with a hard, warty or scaly
rind and orange or green flesh.
C. melo var. reticulatus are the netted, aromatic melons
(muskmelons) and Persian melons.
C. melo var. inodorous include casabas, crenshaws, honeydews,
and the late-maturing winter melons.
C. melo var. flexuosus, the snake melon.
C. melo var. conomon, the Oriental pickling melon.
Following are commonly
used commercial descriptions: Muskmelons (approx. 70 days from transplanting
in the lower Columbia Basin, 75 days in the Willamette Valley). Muskmelons
are classified as eastern types or western shipping types.
Eastern type muskmelons: Round to oval, usually sutured, netted rind
with sweet orange flesh, not intended for long-distance shipping; early:
Superstar, Earlisweet. For trial: Earliqueen, Earlidawn, Northern Queen,
Supermarket. Main season: Saticoy Hybrid, Gold Star, Roadside, Supermarket,
Canada Gem, Summet, Pulsar, Eastern Star, Burpee Hybrid Improved, Harper
Hybrid, Classic, Fruit Punch, Ambrosia. Green-fleshed, for trial:
Passport F1, Rocky Sweet F1.
Western shipping type muskmelons (often called cantaloupe): Round
to slightly oval, sutureless, very well netted, with firm, salmon-colored,
sweet flesh: Hy-Mark, Top Mark. For Trial: Pulsar, Magnum 45, Durango
(sulfur tolerant) Top Score, Starship, Performer, Otero, Easy Rider, and
many others.
Long Shelf Life Melons: Sunseeds has recently developed a series
of Western shipping type muskmelons with long shelf life. These melons hold
their sugar content in the field, during shipping, and in the market. Varieties
for trial: Voyager I (midseason medium size), Voyager II (very large), Voyager
III (medium size).
Many muskmelon varieties
are sensitive to air pollution (ozone, sulfur dioxide and sulfur trioxide),
as well as to applied sulfur (for disease control). This sensitivity is
cultivar dependent: Sensitive cultivars are Harper Hybrid, Gold Star and
many others. Tolerant cultivars are Top Mark, Durango and Otero.
Honey
Dew (approximately 110 days in the Columbia Basin): Smooth, greenish-white
rind, turning creamy when ripe. Light green, sweet flesh with some orange-fleshed
varieties available. Fruit 7" x 7.5", 5-6 lb: Earlidew, Honeybrew, Honey
Dew Green Flesh, TAM Dew. For trial: Honey Dew Orange Flesh.
Casaba
(approximately 110 days in the Columbia Basin): non-slip, late maturing,
corrugated bright yellow, sometimes greenish-yellow rind, not netted or
ribbed. With white, spicy, sweet and tender flesh. Fruit acorn-shaped,
8" x 7", 7-8 lb: Casaba Golden Beauty, Casaba Sungold (earliest of the
casaba types).
Crenshaw
(approximately 110 days in the Columbia Basin): Large, late maturing,
yellow and green corrugated, rough rind without netting. Pinkish-orange,
sweet, tender flesh with distinctive flavor. Fruit is elongated with a
flattened stem end (elongated acorn-shape), 9" x 7", 7-10 lb: Crenshaw,
Early Hybrid Crenshaw, Crenshaw Blanco, Golden Crenshaw. For trial: Carnival
(early hybrid).
Canary
(approximately 110 days in the Columbia Basin): Late maturing, bright
yellow corrugated rind. Flesh is pale green to white with a pale orange
seed cavity, sweet and a distinctive flavor. Fruit is oval, similar to
crenshaw, 8" x 6", 6-7 lb: Sweet Yellow Canary, Tenerife. For trial: Gold
King.
Santa
Claus (approximately 110 days in the Columbia Basin). Very similar
to "Canary" except rind in mottled green and yellow. The name is derived
from the long keeping qualities of this melon... until Christmas?! "Santa
Claus" is also the variety name.
Charentais
(approximately 90 days): A popular European melon, also called "Chaca"
"French" or "Italian melon". Smooth or slightly netted, gray-green rind
with dark green, slightly furrowed sutures. Deep orange, firm, sweet flesh.
Fruit is slightly elongated but mostly globe shaped 3.5"-4" and 1.5-2
lb. Mainly for greenhouse production, but also grown under plastic tunnels
or in the open field: Acor F1 and Alienor F1 (both monoecious and resistant
to Fusarium races 0,1 and 2); Charentais Improved, Ido, Panchito (netted
rind).
Mediterranean
(approximately 110 days): Green rind with slight netting and not sutures,
ripening to yellow-gold with some green splotches. Flesh is soft, white,
with a touch of pink around the seed cavity when ripe. Fruit oval 6.5"
x 7.5", 5-5.5 lb: Casablanca.
Persian
(approximately 110 days in the Columbia Basin) : Very late maturity,
green rind with slight tan cracks or sparse netting. Orange-pink, sweet,
firm flesh. Fruit is round 7.5" x 8", 5-6 lb.
Ogen
(or Gallicum types; approximately 100 days): Melons: 3-5 lb round, netted
and sutureless. Green, sweet, highly aromatic flesh, rind turns golden
yellow as the melon matures. Susceptible to Fusarium wilt. This melon
will "slip" like cantaloupe does, and resists splitting during periods
of rainy weather: Galia, Gallicum. Also for trial: Haogen, Makdimmon (also
called Mediterranean Delight).
Rochet
(approximately 100 days): Oval, green rind slightly netted, flesh is greenish-white,
sweet and aromatic): Solo (4-5 lb); Toledo (also called frog skin type
due to the greenish-yellow rind with dark green blotches), Verdol F1 (dark-green
skin slightly netted and crisp, white, sweet flesh (resistant to Fusarium
races 0,1 and 2; also referred to as Spanish type).
Chinese
"Hami" melon (approximately 110 days in the Columbia Basin): "Hami"
is the generic Chinese word for a group of crisp-fleshed "winter" melons.
Hami melons may have either red-pink, salmon, white, or green flesh. One
group is slightly longer than a football but smaller in diameter (resembles
Rochet type). These have yellow, or yellow and green rind, usually slightly
netted, and weigh 6-9 lb. The flesh is crisp and very sweet. These melons
may be stored for several weeks to a few months with little quality loss.
In China, these are even allowed to dry partially for use late into the
fall and early winter (Similar to Santa Clause melon). These appear to
also be particularly suited for frozen melon balls.
Some popular varieties
are: Red-Pink Hami, Tiger-Skin Hami.
Round-type Chinese Hami:
Snow Charm (better adapted to cooler areas. Fruit can reach very large size
(10-12 lb but more commonly 3-4 lb), globe shaped, white to light yellow
smooth rind, light-orange to pink flesh, crisp texture, sweet, excellent
frozen.
Japanese
melons (approximately 100 days): This type generally refers to the
high-priced greenhouse grown gift melon found in Japan, but grown in the
field in the warmer parts of Oregon. These melons are round or slightly
oval, very sweet, about 7"-8", 3-4 lb extremely well-netted green rind.
Fruit is non-slipping when ripe: Tokyo King, (the classic Japanese type,
white-fleshed); Emerald Jewel (green-fleshed); Emerald Pearl (green, crunchy,
sweet flesh), Ginryu and Zuikoh (both have sweet, green flesh, excellent
frozen).
SOILS AND SITE SELECTION
Choose light,
well-drained soils for earliest crops and reduced risk of stand establishment
problems. Avoid using fields in your rotation in which muskmelons, watermelons,
pumpkins, squash cucumbers or other Cucurbits have been planted.
SEEDING
Direct seed melons when
soil temperatures exceed 65 F. Set transplants only after all danger of
frost has passed or use appropriate protective structures or covers (see
item on row covers below). Approximate dates are:
Western Oregon: Begin
direct seeding in the middle of May.
Eastern Oregon: Begin
direct seeding from April 10 to May 5.
SPACING
Seed at a rate of 4
seeds per foot and thin to 18 inches Plant the seed 1 inch deep, and space
the rows 5-6 feet apart. This will require 3-4 lb/acre of seed. Avoid excessively
high plant populations which may reduce sugar content of fruit. Allow at
least 6 sq. ft. of leaf area/plant for maximum sugar production.
The use of transplants
is recommended for western Oregon, and for early production in eastern Oregon.
Transplant production requires 4 to 5 weeks under proper greenhouse conditions.
SEED AND SEED TREATMENT
Muskmelon
seed numbers approximately 19,200 per pound. Use fungicide treated seed.
Muskmelons are sensitive to damping off, especially under cool, wet soil
conditions.
SOIL TEMPERATURE
The minimum
soil temperature required for germination of these crops is 60 F, with
the optimum range between 70 to 95 F.
FLOWERING AND POLLINATION
Depending on cultivar,
muskmelon plants may bear separate male and female flowers on the same plant
(monoecious), which is typical of elongated-fruit varieties. Most American
round-fruited cultivars bear male and perfect flowers (male and female organs
in the same flower) flowers on the same plant (andromonoecious).
Young plants begin bearing
male flowers and do so all through flowering. Depending on the cultivar,
perfect flowers, or female flowers, which are fewer in number, begin appearing
1 to 2 weeks after initiation of the male flowers and are found only on
branch runners.
Bees transfer pollen
from male flowers to the female flowers, making fruit set possible. Melons
are not pollinated by wind, and since melon pollen is heavy and sticky,
even those varieties that have perfect flowers, need bees for adequate pollination.
It is recommended that at least one honey bee colony be introduced for every
acre during the blooming period since native bee populations may not be
adequate, or may not coincide properly with the blooming period. Research
in California indicates that "a higher quality marketable crop results (50
crates per acre increase with two colonies; 100 crates per acre with three
colonies)". Furthermore, "the harvest period was advanced a week or more
and shortened by one week, reducing the pickings necessary by 33%."
Placement of colonies
in the field has an effect on the number of bee visits per flower. Visits
per flower were more than doubled with colonies spaced no more than 175
yards apart in comparison with colonies placed at only one spot in a (40
acre) field. At no time should any portion of a field be more than 250 yards
from a bee hive. Avoid using insecticides injurious to bees and manage application
of pesticides in a manner to protect bees and apiaries from injury. For
more information on beehive quality and pollination, see the OSU Publication
PNW-245 Evaluating
Honey Bee Colonies for Pollination, A Guide for Growers and Beekeepers.
GROWTH REGULATORS
Gibberellic
acid (GA) is labelled for stimulation of fruit set in muskmelon during
periods of cool temperatures. The rate is 2 g ai/acre in sufficient water
to obtain thorough foliage coverage. The label calls for one application
before bloom followed by two more applications at intervals of 10-14 days.
Caution: The efficacy of GA applications for fruit set in melons
has not been confirmed by research in the Pacific Northwest.
WINDBREAKS
Use windbreaks as necessary
especially in eastern Oregon. Grain windbreaks have been found effective
when grain rows are used for each melon row. Winter wheat varieties, rye,
or oats can be used. Spring barley may be used for February plantings. Seed
grain thickly, 2-3 seeds per inch. This requires about 10 lb barley, 9 lb
wheat, or 8 lb rye to seed grain rows 12 feet apart.
Windbreaks may be cultivated
out after the melon plants are well established. If they are not, windbreaks
should not be allowed to touch the plants because abrasion of the enlarging
fruit can cause that fruit to be misshapen. Windbreaks may be cut off or
rototilled around June 25, before melon vines develop long runners that
may be damaged by tractor tires.
GROUND MULCH AND ROW COVERS
Black plastic ground
mulch controls weeds, may increase soil temperature, conserves moisture,
and protects fruit from ground rots. Mulch increases yield and earliness
and is recommended particularly in Western Oregon where temperatures are
limiting. For black plastic mulch to increase soil temperature, it is critical
that the soil surface be smooth and that the plastic be in close contact
with the soil. This can only be achieved by laying the plastic with machines
specifically designed and adjusted for this task. Clear plastic mulch is
excellent for transferring heat to the soil but does not control weeds.
A new generation of
plastic mulch films allows for good weed control together with soil warming
that is intermediate between black plastic and clear film. These films are
called IRT (infrared-transmitting) or wavelength-selective films. They are
more expensive than black or clear films, but appear to be cost effective
where soil warming is important.
Plastic, spunbonded,
and non-woven materials have been developed as crop covers for use as windbreaks,
for frost protection, and to enhance yield and earliness. They complement
the use of plastic mulch and drip irrigation in many crops. Some sources
of these materials and information on their use are:
American AgriFabrics,
Alpharetta, GA. Phone 770-663-700, fax: 770-663-7690, email: dan@agrofabric.com.
Ken-Bar, Inc., Reading, MA. Phone: 800-336-8882, fax: 781-944-1055, email:
kenbarinc@msn.com.
Non-woven or spunbonded
polyester and perforated polyethylene row covers may be used for 4 to 8
weeks immediately after transplanting. Covers should be removed when plants
begin to flower to allow proper pollination. Row covers increase heat unit
accumulation by 2 to 3 times over ambient. Two to four degrees of frost
protection may also be obtained at night. Soil temperatures and root growth
are also increased under row covers as are early yields, and in many cases,
total yields.
Row covers may be replaced
after pollination is completed (after 3-5 fruits per plant have been pollinated)
to further enhance earliness.
Soil-supported
Covers
Preliminary research
in California indicates that soil-supported covers or mini-tunnels have
been used to promote early production of some crops. Similar to hoop-supported
tunnels, these increase soil and air temperature around the plants, maintain
surface soil moisture, and prevent crusting. They may also provide about
7 days advantage in earliness and harvest season, depending on crop and
time of planting.
Soil to form the sides
of the tunnel is brought from the sides of the plant row which may be direct
seeded or transplanted at the same time, or prior to tunnel installation.
A modified bedshaper is used to form a ridge on each side of the plant row,
leaving a suitable area for planting. A 36-inch-wide piece of embossed clear
plastic is then used to cover the plant row, leaving a 5 to 6 inch-high
space between the planted row and the plastic cover.
Mean temperatures may
be increased 10-20 F depending on time of planting and sunlight availability
and intensity. Care should be exercised that crops are not damaged from
excessive heat. Covers should be removed from most crops when temperatures
under the cover exceed 90 F for more than three consecutive days.
FERTILIZER
Good management practices
are essential if optimum fertilizer responses are to be realized. These
practices include use of recommended varieties, selection of adapted soils,
weed control, disease and insect control, good seed bed preparation, proper
seeding methods, and timely harvest.
Because of the influence
of soil type, climatic conditions, and other cultural practices, crop response
from fertilizer may not always be accurately predicted. Soil test results,
field experience, and knowledge of specific crop requirements help determine
the nutrients needed and the rate of application.
The fertilizer program
should insure adequate levels of all nutrients. Optimum fertilization is
essential for top quality, yields, and returns.
Recommended soil sampling
procedures should be followed in order to estimate fertilizer needs. The
OSU Extension Service agent in your county can provide you with soil sampling
instructions and soil sample bags and information sheets.
Recommendations are
based on a row spacing of 60 inches. With decreased row spacings fertilizer
rates should be increased.
NITROGEN (N)
Rates of 80 to 150 lb
N/A are suggested with the lower rates of N being applied when legumes were
grown the preceding year or a legume or mixed legume-cereal green manure
crop is incorporated into the soil prior to planting. Apply one-half the
nitrogen at or just prior to planting and the rest when vines begin to "run".
If the application of
N plus potash (K2O) exceeds 50 lb/A, there is danger of seedling injury
from the concentration of salt when fertilizer is banded at planting time.
There is less danger
if the band application is split into two bands. The danger is aggravated
as the band comes closer to the seed. The danger is greater with sandy than
with finer textured soil. Immediate irrigation at the first sign of burn
should reduce further injury. There is more possibility of damage to seedlings
on acid soils where the pH is below 5.5.
PHOSPHORUS (P)
Phosphorus
fertilizer should be banded at planting for vigorous early seedling growth.
Bands should be located 2" to the side and 2" below the seed.
If the soil test* Apply this amount of
for P reads (ppm): phosphate (P2O5) (lb/A):
0 to 15 120-150
l5 to 60 90-120
over 60 60- 90
*Assumes extraction
procedures similar to those used by the OSU Central Analytical Laboratory.
Specific information on soil test procedures is available from the Dept.
of Crop and Soil Science.
POTASSIUM
(K)
Potassium
should be applied before planting or banded at planting time. Amounts
above 40 lb K2O/A should be broadcast and worked into the seedbed. See
statements on fertilizer banding under "NITROGEN".
If the soil test* Apply this amount of
for K reads (ppm): potash K2O (lb/A):
0 to 75 100-150
75 to 150 60-100
150 to 200 40- 60
over 200 None
*Assumes extraction procedures similar to those used by the OSU Central
Analytical Laboratory. Specific information on soil test procedures is available
from the Dept. of Crop and Soil Science.
SULFUR (S)
Include
20-30 lb S/A in the annual fertilizer program for vine crops. S is sometimes
contained in fertilizers used to supply other nutrients such as N, P,
and K but may not be present in sufficient quantity.
Plants absorb
S in the form of sulfate. Fertilizer materials supply sulfur in the form
of sulfate and elemental S. Elemental S must convert to sulfate in the
soil before the S becomes avail able to plants. The conversion of elemental
S to sulfate is usually rapid for fine ground (less than 40 mesh) material
in warm moist soil.
Sulfur in
the sulfate form can be applied at planting time. Some S fertilizer materials
such as elemental S and ammonium sulfate have an acidifying effect on
soil.
CAUTION:
Many muskmelon and specialty melons are sensitive to foliar applications
of sulfur used to control a number of foliar diseases. This sensitivity
is cultivar dependent. A number of varieties resistant to sulfur-induced
foliar damage are available. Applications of foliar sulfur to non-resistant
varieties can result in severe foliar damage.
MAGNESIUM
(Mg)
When the
soil test value is below 1.5 meq Mg/100g of soil or when calcium (Ca)
is ten times more than the Mg, apply 10-15 lb Mg/A banded at planting.
If Mg deficiency symptoms appear, spray with 10 lb Epsom salts in 100
gal water/A.
Magnesium
can also be supplied in dolomite, which is a liming material and will
reduce soil acidity. Dolomite should be incorporated into the seedbed
at the rate of 1-1.5 T/A.
BORON (B)
In general,
boron deficiencies are uncommon. If the soil test value for B is less
than 1 ppm, an application of 3 lb B/A is suggested. Boron should be applied
uniformly to the field as a spray or broadcast. Never band B fertilizer.
ZINC (Zn)
Zinc deficiencies
are uncommon in Willamette Valley soils. When the soil test is below 1
ppm Zn, a response to Zn is expected and 4 lb Zn/A should be included
in the fertilizer band.
LIME
Muskmelons
are sensitive to soil acidity. Maintain soil pH above 6.0 by liming. Soil
pH levels below 5.5 can result in manganese toxicity (leaf levels of above
800 ppm Mn may be toxic). Lime applications are suggested when the soil
pH is 5.6 or below, or when calcium (Ca) levels are below 5 meq Ca/100g
of soil.
The rate
of lime application can be estimated from the following SMP buffer table.
If the SMP buffer* Apply this amount of
test for lime reads: lime (T/A):
Below 5.2 4-5
5.2 - 5.6 3-4
5.6 - 5.9 2-3
5.9 - 6.2 1-2
*Assumes extraction procedures similar to those used by the OSU Central
Analytical Laboratory. Specific information on soil test procedures is available
from the Dept. of Crop and Soil Science. The liming rate is based on 100-score
lime.
Lime should
be mixed into the soil at least several weeks before planting. A lime
application is effective over several years.
Some soils
may have a fairly high SMP buffer value (over 6.5) and a low pH (below
5.5). This condition can be caused by the application of acidifying fertilizer.
In this case the low pH value is temporary and the pH of the soil will
increase as the fertilizer completes its reaction with the soil. This
temporary "active" acidity from fertilizer is encountered following recent
applications of most N fertilizer materials. Acidifying fertilizers also
have a "long term" acidifying effect on soil which is cumulative and leads
to lower SMP buffer readings.
Sandy soils
to which fertilizers have not been recently applied some- times record
low pH and high SMP buffer values. In such cases, a light application
of 1-2 T/A of lime should suffice to neutralize soil acidity.
For acid
soils low in Mg (less than 0.8 meq Mg/100g of soil), 1 T/A of dolomite
lime can be used as a Mg source. Dolomite and ground lime stone have about
the same ability to neutralize soil acidity.
The possibility
of seedling injury from the band application of fertilizer is less when
the soil pH is 5.6 or above. Some Willamette Valley experiments have shown
decreased uptake of phosphorus from band applications of phosphorus when
the pH approaches 5.5.
Lime applications
should be broadcast, preferably in the fall, and incorporated into the
seedbed. Do not plow lime down leaving the surface soil unlimed.
Fertilizer
Guide #2, "Liming Materials for Oregon", which is available from your
local OSU Extension Office, provides additional information on lime.
These fertilizer
recommendations are based on research conducted by OSU Horticulture and
Crop and Soil Science Departments faculty, and are quoted from OSU Fertilizer
Guide FG 68.
IRRIGATION
Avoid excessive
soil moisture. The soluble solids content may be reduced when muskmelons
are grown under unusually heavy rainfall and/or poor water drainage conditions.
As might be expected, the effect of soil moisture on sugar content of
muskmelon is particularly serious when prolonged periods of saturated
or near-saturated soil moisture occur during the final stages of fruit
development. Other conditions that limit photosynthesis during this time
would accentuate the excessive moisture effect on muskmelon quality. This
effect may differ with variety; thus growers should select less responsive
varieties when excessive soil moisture may be a problem. Planting on beds
is recommended for soils with potential drainage problems, and reduce
irrigations after fruit begins to mature. Approximate summer irrigation
needs for the Hermiston area are: 3.5 inches in May, 5.0 in June, 7.5
in July, and 7.0 in August.
Research
has shown that the use of drip irrigation under black plastic mulch is
superior to sprinkler irrigation with black plastic mulch. Yields usually
increase dramatically. This was true of 10 of 13 varieties tested, and
particularly true of later-maturing types.
Soil type
does not affect the amount of total water needed, but does dictate frequency
of water application. Lighter soils need more frequent water applications,
but less water applied per application.
Melons are
often grown with furrow irrigation in eastern Oregon. Water soluble polyacrylamide
(PAM) is useful for flocculating soil particles in irrigation furrows
and
reducing erosion of soil from the furrow.
HARVESTING, HANDLING, AND STORAGE
Good yields
of large (4-6 lb) melons will range from 7000 to 9000 fruit per acre.
Smaller fruited (3-4 lb) varieties will range from 12,000 to 15,000 fruit
per acre assuming excellent cultural practices and pollination.
Muskmelon
yields in California are reported as 450 to 750 cartons/acre, or about
200 to 250 cwt/acre. Honeydew yields range from 175 to 250 cwt/acre and
Persian melon yields are reported at about 120 to 150 cwt/acre.
When using
appropriate plasticulture techniques, eastern muskmelon yields of 8000-9000
fruit/acre at 4-6 lb/fruit and western muskmelon yields of 12,000 to 15,000
fruit/acre at 3-4 lb/fruit, have been reported.
Muskmelons
(cantaloupes):
These melons
should be firm, well netted, well formed and pulled at full slip for best
quality. "Full slip" is the stage of ripeness at which the melon comes
away easily from the stem attachment and where the skin begins to take
on a slightly yellow appearance under the netting. For distant shipment,
less mature cantaloupes are picked at "half slip" but when the stem attachment
area is smooth, rounded and slightly depressed. During the early part
of the season harvest every other day. Later in the season, daily picking
is best. Some varieties are non-slip types and have to be cut from the
vine.
Muskmelons
develop their highest dessert quality a day or more after harvest, even
though the sugar content does not increase. Therefore, muskmelons attain
their highest quality in fruits that have been harvested when they have
reached their maximum sugar content. U.S.D.A. grade 1 melons must have
a minimum soluble solids level of 8% however a sugar level of 10% is considered
a minimum level for good eating quality. Melons for local market sales
should have sugar levels of 12-14%. These high sugar levels, obtained
from harvesting muskmelons at a more mature stage, result in lower shelf
life in muskmelons intended for long distance shipping.
Maintain
healthy, green foliage until final harvest. The edible quality of muskmelons
is frequently undesirable, particularly those harvested the last half
of the picking season, because the sugar-producing (photosynthetic) potential
of the leaves is not maintained through harvest. Drought, nutrient deficiencies,
and weed, insect, and disease stresses can seriously limit the plant's
capacity to produce and translocate sugars to developing fruit. Almost
half of the final concentration of sugars is accumulated during the last
week of fruit maturation. During this "critical" few days, the fruit passes
from immature green to ripe (full slip). Thus, spray programs, irrigations,
and nutrient supply must be maintained to "keep the plant going" during
this critical last week. Plants are naturally weakened and more susceptible
to moisture, nutrient, and biological stresses during heavy fruiting.
Neglect at this time can seriously reduce fruit quality. Disease resistant
varieties should be used where possible to help maintain healthy foliage
for a longer period for maximum sugar production.
After melons
have been picked, they should be placed in the shade or in a cold room
and handled carefully.
STORAGE
(quoted and adapted from USDA Ag. Handbook #66):
Muskmelons
(cantaloupes):
Hold melons
temporarily at 36 to 41 F and 95 % relative humidity. Cold storage is
little used for melons except to avoid temporary adverse market conditions.
Muskmelons
harvested at the hard-ripe stage (3/4 to full-slip) can be held about
15 days at 36 to 41 F, but lower temperatures for this period may cause
chilling. Symptoms of chilling injury are pitting and surface decay.
Full-slip
melons are more resistant to chilling injury and can be held 5 to 14 days
at 32 to 36 F. Soluble solid content of muskmelon at harvest should be
at least 10 % for good dessert quality. Muskmelons ripen after harvest
but do not increase in sugar content.
Muskmelons
need precooling soon after harvest to reduce high field temperatures.
In some packing sheds, muskmelons are first dipped in hot, water to cleanup
surface bacteria. Research indicates that muskmelons dipped in 140 F water
for 3 minutes, dried quickly then wrapped in plastic film, sealed in shipping
boxes, and cooled to 40 F can be stored in cold storage for up to 7 weeks.
Chlorination of the hot water has not been shown to add any benefit. Warm,
wet melons are subject to invasion by micro-organisms. Therefore drying
and cooling should immediately follow this treatment. Melons treated in
this way, and stored for extended periods have a shortened shelf life
(3-4 days) after removal from storage.
Cooling
can be done with cold water, cold air, or ice. The choice depends primarily
on economic factors and type of container. Hydrocooling is the most efficient
method for rapidly cooling muskmelons, and they should be cooled to at
least 50 F. Crushed ice is still used to remove field heat from muskmelons.
Cooled melons should be stored in a cold room and shipped in refrigerated
trucks.
Ice is blown
in between rows of crates or waxed cartons and over a load packed for
shipment. Although melons are chilling sensitive, they are not injured
by extended contact with ice.
Research
has also shown that desiccation in shipping is a major cause of loss in
quality. Film wrapping has been shown to markedly increase shelf life
and this should be considered for melons intended for long distance shipping.
Honeydew,
Casaba, Crenshaw, and Persian melons:
Honeydew
melons should be harvested when the stem end is slightly springy and the
skin begins to take on a creamy yellow appearance. Crenshaw melons are
picked when the blossom end begins to soften and the skin is golden yellow
and green. The flesh should be a golden pink. Casabas are ready for harvest
when the skin is slightly golden and the flesh is white. Persian melons
when ripe have a skin that begins to turn a mauve color under the net,
the blossom ends begins to soften and the flesh has a tinge of orange.
These melons
are chilling sensitive and should not be held below 40 F. The best prolonged
holding temperature is 45 F for Honey Dew, Crenshaw, and persian melons,
and 50 F for Casaba melons. The crenshaw and Persian melons should keep
for 2 weeks, and Honey Dew and Casaba melons for 3 weeks, before the quality
of the ripened melons becomes unacceptable. These melons may keep longer,
but with extended holding, the may fail to ripen or may ripen but fail
to develop the desirable flavor and aroma.
When these
melons are stored too long or at too low a temperature, they deteriorate
(decay, surface breakdown, softening, or off-flavors) so rapidly upon
transfer to room temperature that they soon become worthless. Honey Dew
melons are less perishable than most other melons. Storage at as high
as 65 F has been recommended for them.
Honeydew
melons are usually given an 18 to 24 hour ethylene treatment (5000 ppm)
to ripen uniformly. Other concentrations (40 to 1000 ppm) have proved
effective experimentally. Pulp temperature should be 68 or above during
treatment. Honey Dew melons must be mature when harvested; immature melons
fail to ripen even if treated with ethylene. Honeydew melons are less
sensitive to chilling injury as the fruit ripens, and a 24-hour treatment
with 1000 ppm ethylene will ripen the fruit sufficiently to make it less
sensitive to chilling injury.
Dipping
melons (muskmelons - see above) for 3 minutes in hot water (138- 140 F)
has been reported to reduce stem-scar and surface molds, and extend shelf
life, and may be useful with these types.
PACKAGING
Muskmelons
are commonly packaged in 38 to 41-lb half-cartons containing 9, 12, 18
or 23 melons; 53 to 55-lb two-thirds cartons, packed 12, 14, 18, 24, or
30 melons; 80 to 85- lb jumbo crates, packed 18-45 melons; 70-lb standard
crates; or 45 to 50-lb half wirebound crates.
INSECT CONTROL FOR MELONS
THE INSECTICIDES
LISTED BELOW, TAKEN FROM THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST INSECT CONTROL HANDBOOK,
ARE FOR INFORMATION ONLY, AND ARE REVISED ONLY ANNUALLY. BECAUSE OF CONSTANTLY
CHANGING LABELS, LAWS, AND REGULATIONS, OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY CAN ASSUME
NO LIABILITY FOR THE CONSEQUENCES OF USE OF CHEMICALS SUGGESTED HERE.
IN ALL CASES, READ AND FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS AND PRECAUTIONARY STATEMENTS
ON THE SPECIFIC PESTICIDE PRODUCT LABEL.
USE PESTICIDES
SAFELY!
Wear protective
clothing and safety devices as recommended on the label. Bathe or shower
after each use.
Read the
pesticide label--even if you've used the pesticide before. Follow closely
the instructions on the label (and any other directions you have).
Be cautious
when you apply pesticides. Know your legal responsibility as a pesticide
applicator. You may be liable for injury or damage resulting from pesticide
use.
Proper rotations
and field selection can minimize problems with insects.
Insect and Description Control, Active Ingredient/Acre
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aphids malathion - 1 lb
Bean aphid
Aphis fabae Pyrellin - 1 to 2 pt
Melon aphid
Aphis gossypii diazinon - 0.75 lb
Potato aphid
Macrosiphum euphorbiae endosulfan - 0.5 to 1.0 lb
Black, yellow, green, or pinkish dimethoate - 0.25 to 0.5 lb
plant lice. Feed on foliage.
Metasystox-R - 0.5 lb
NOTE: EC formulations may cause
phytotoxicity to melons. M-Pede, 1-2% solution - see
label for rate per acre
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cucumber beetles, including permethrin - 0.2 lb
Striped cucumber beetle
Acalymma vittatum methoxychlor - 1 to 3 lb
Slender, greenish-yellow malathion - 1.25 lb
beetles with three prominent
stripes on back. carbaryl - 1 lb
Western spotted cucumber beetle Guthion Solupak - 1 lb product
Diabrotica undecimpunctata
endosulfan - 0.5 to 1 lb
Yellowish-green, black-
spotted beetle. Lannate - Up to 0.9 lb
Asana - 0.025 to 0.05 lb
Cryolite - see label
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cutworms and Armyworms permethrin - 0.l to 0.2 lb.
Several species
Asana - 0.03 to 0.05 lb.
Red, brown, green worms. Feed
on roots, stems, leaves, buds. Bacillus thuringiensis - 1
Usually in soil by day. to 2 qt. Use a spreader-
sticker to enhance control.
Mattch - see label
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Grasshoppers Asana - 0.03 to 0.05 lb
Different species
Feed on foliage, buds, and blooms.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Leaf miners and Leafhoppers Guthion Solupak - 0.75 to 1.0 lb product
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Loopers, including permethrin - 0.1 to 0.2 lb
Cabbage looper
Trichoplusia ni endosulfan - 0.5 to 1 lb
Slender, dark olive-green Lannate - Up to 0.45
worms with white stripes. - 0.45 to 0.9 lb
Move in looping manner.
Bacillus thuringiensis
1 to 2 qt. Use a
spreader-sticker to
enhance control.
Asana - 0.025 to 0.05 lb
Mattch - see label
Cryolite - see label
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Spider mites Kelthane 35W - 0.6 lb. Do not
Tetranychus spp. feed. Do not use EC
formulations.
Tiny, spiderlike animals. Feed Metasystox-R - 0.5 lb
on plant juices.
M-Pede, 1-2% solution, see
label for rate per acre
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wireworms diazinon - 3 - 4 lb
Limonius spp.
Telone II - preplant
Brown, jointed larvae of click
beetles. Kill young plants, stunt Telone C-17 - preplant
older ones.
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