Impact of Antagonistic Microorganisms on the Growth, Fruit Quality and Identification of Fungal Diseases in Greenhouse-Grown Melons cv. Momeji

Authors

  • Siriporn Amthong Agricultural Technology Research Institute, Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna, Lampang https://orcid.org/0009-0007-8880-1230
  • Phongyuth Nualbunruang Agricultural Technology Research Institute, Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna, Lampang
  • Chiti Sritontip Agricultural Technology Research Institute, Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna, Lampang
  • Pattama Janruang Department of Plant Science, Faculty of Science and Agricultural Technology Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna, Nan
  • Methinee Nakdee Department of Plant Science, Faculty of Science and Agricultural Technology Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna, Lampang
  • Kittipan Pensri Agricultural Technology Research Institute, Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna, Lampang

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14456/jare-mju.2026.28

Keywords:

melon, biological control, growth promotion, Trichoderma asperellum, Bacillus subtilis

Abstract

This study assessed the impact of antagonistic microorganisms on the growth and yield of melon cv. Momeji in a greenhouse located at the Watershed Royal Service and Development Center, Tha Pong Daeng, Mueang Mae Hong Son district, Mae Hong Son province, from March to August 2023. The experiment was arranged in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with five treatments, each consisting of 25 plants as follows: Treatment 1:  control (no treatment); Treatment 2: soaking seeds and spraying melon plants with metalaxyl; Treatment 3: soaking seeds and spraying melon plants with carbendazim; Treatment4: soaking seeds and spraying melon plants with Bacillus subtilis; and Treatment 5: soaking seeds and spraying melon plants with Trichoderma asperellum. The results showed that treatments with antagonistic microorganisms, B. subtilis and T. asperellum, resulted in the greatest plant heights of 196.75 and 197.25 cm, respectively. In terms of yield, T. asperellum treatment significantly increased total soluble solids (sweetness) to 11.72 °Brix and improved flesh firmness to 1.68 N. Additionally, the B. subtilis treatment reduced nitrate accumulation in the fruit to the lowest level of 152.5 mg kg-1 compared to the control treatment. Melon fruit rot disease was observed, with symptoms appearing around the stem, calyx, and bottom of the fruit as cracks. White fungal mycelium was found covering the wounds, and microscopic examination revealed spore characteristics typical of Fusarium sp. Additionally, in severely affected melons, gray fungal mycelium was observed covering the decayed fruit, with small black fruiting bodies appearing as the lesions expanded. Microscopic analysis confirmed the presence of spore characteristics of Lasiodiplodia sp. Molecular identification using phylogenetic analysis of the fungal isolates revealed 2 pathogens associated with melon fruit rot: Fusarium sp. and Lasiodiplodia sp. Sequence alignment with the GenBank database further identified these pathogens as Fusarium equiseti and Lasiodiplodia theobromae with 99% confidence.

References

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Figure 1 Diseases of melons found in farmers' greenhouses; (A) and (B) fruit rot

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Published

2026-07-02

How to Cite

Amthong, S., Nualbunruang, P., Sritontip, C., Janruang, P., Nakdee, M., & Pensri, K. (2026). Impact of Antagonistic Microorganisms on the Growth, Fruit Quality and Identification of Fungal Diseases in Greenhouse-Grown Melons cv. Momeji . Journal of Agricultural Research and Extension, 43(2), 90–102. https://doi.org/10.14456/jare-mju.2026.28

Issue

Vol. 43 No. 2 (2026): May-August 2026

Section

Research Article

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