Effect of Different Nitrogen Rates on Fruit Yield and Quality of Grafted and Non-Grafted Muskmelon

Non-grafted and grafted muskmelon plants of cultivar 'Samsoori'were evaluated for yields and fruit quality under three nitrogen (N) rates (60, 120 and 180 kg. ha(-1)) in open field conditions. The hybrid 'Ace' (Cucurbita maxima x C. moschata) was used as rootstock. Increasing N fertilization rate from 60 to 120 kg. ha(-1) increased marketable yield by 23.4%, whereas increasing N rate from 120 to 180 kg. ha-1 decreased muskmelon production by 19.7%. Marketable yield was higher by 18.85% in grafted than compared to in nongrafted plants. Increasing N fertilization rates from 60 to 120 kg. ha(-1) increased fruit dry biomass with the highest value recorded with 120 kg. ha(-1) of N. Flesh firmness decreased in response to an increase in N fertilization with the highest values recorded on plants receiving 60 kg. ha(-1). In contrast TSS, DM contents in fruits harvested from grafted plants were significantly higher by 9.9% than nongrafted plants.