Journal of Applied Biosciences (J. Appl. Biosci.) [ISSN 1997 - 5902]
Volume 5: 110 - 114. Published May 2008.
Evaluation of yield performance of muskmelon
(Cucumis melo N.) varieties under open field conditions in Seychelles
ABSTRACT
Objective: A field experiment was conducted from May to July, 2005 and 2006 planting seasons at the Vegetable Evaluation and Research Station Farm, Anse Boileau, Seychelles to evaluate the yield performance of five newly introduced muskmelon varieties, ‘Jowel F1’, ‘Caly F1’, ‘Joker F1’, ‘Ludo F1’ and ‘Citrin F1’ against the commonly grown variety ‘Hales Best’ under field conditions.
Methodology and results: The experiment consisted of six treatments laid out in a randomized complete block design with four replications. The results showed that cv. ‘Hales Best’ matured earliest, but cv. ‘Joker F1’ had the highest number and size of fruits. Cultivar Joker F1’s fruit length, width, weight and yield were significantly (P≤0.05) higher by 34.3, 31.2, 14.7, 72.6 and 54.2 % respectively in 2005; and 34.8, 16.1, 25.2, 64.8 and 47.4 % respectively in 2006, when compared to cv. ‘Hales Best’. Varieties ‘Jowel F1’, ‘Caly F1’, ‘Ludo F1’ and ‘Citrin F1’ produced 30-40% more fruits in 2005 and 2006, than cv. ‘Hales Best’.
Actual or potential application of findings: The results showed that variety ‘Joker F1’ performed best and could therefore be recommended as a potential replacement for the popular variety ‘Hales Best’ in Seychelles.
Key words: Muskmelon, varietal evaluation, yield, Seychelles
FULL PAPER [PDF AVAILABLE HERE]
