Improving the sugar content and quality of rockmelons
This project developed and tested agronomic techniques capable of producing rockmelons with consistently high sugar content (measured by SCC) in the major melon growing regions in Australia.Techniques were developed that enabled growers to increase fruit soluble solids (sugars) from 8.4% to 11.4 %, with over 90% of the fruit above 10%.This was achieved mainly through no water stress, healthy roots, balanced NPK, and the selection of ideal growing locations.
Why study this?
At the start of the project, virtually none of the rockmelons grown in Qld were above 10% SSC, the threshold level used by Coles and Woolworths.Of fruit sampled in the Sydney market in 2004, 46% were below 10% soluble solids. (SCC, soluble solids concentration, is a commonly used indicator of eating quality.)
What was done
Trials were conducted in NSW and Qld to test the effects of irrigation, mineral nutrition, plant spacing and density, crop load, varieties and foliar sprays. Fruit SSC from the Sydney Market was measured every fortnight throughout 2004.
What we found
The key findings were, to improve sugar content:
Plants should be maintained free of water stress
Root health is critical
Small fruit that will not be harvested should be removed
Sufficient, balanced N, P, K is required
Fruit load controls vegetative plant growth
Long sunny days with maximum temperature below 37° C, and cool nights, provide the best conditions for sugar accumulation
Where to next?
By applying the agronomic methods outlined, sugars in rockmelon can be improved. There is significant genetic potential to produce fruit with higher soluble solids than current standard varieties.The techniques developed allowed growers to increase fruit soluble solids (sugars) from 8.4% to 11.4%, with over 90% of the fruit above 10%.
Resources
Rockmelon Agronomic Recommendations
Development of a crop management program to improve the sugar-content and quality of rockmelons
For more information contact
Dr Gordon Rogers, Applied Horticultural Research Pty Ltd
