Effect of Types and Colors of Growing Containers on Growth and Yield of Melon (Cucurmis melo L.) and Growing Media Temperature

Abstract

Growing containers are difference both in types of material and their colors, which affects growth of many plants. So far, there are not reports on the effects of growing containers on melon growth response. Thus, this experiment was conducted to study the effect of various container types and their colors on growth, yield and some qualities of melon, including the temperatures of growing media. Completely randomized design comprised 5 treatments; white plastic bag, black plastic bag, white synthetic fiber bag, brown clay
pot and black plastic pot, with 10 replications was used. Yok-Tap variety of melon was planted under plastic covered house. The results showed that plant height was not significant difference among treatments. Melons that planted in the black containers tended to give low increment of the plant height before fruit setting. The plants grew in the synthetic fiber bag gave the highest number of leaf, and showed significant difference compared to those grown in the black plastic pot and in the clay pot. Leaf size was not significant difference among treatments as well as fruit weight and size. Growing media in the black containers showed distinctly higher temperature than those of other containers, especially at the side facing to the sun radiation in the afternoon. Thus, the heat tolerance melon varieties can be planted in all types of the containers. However, white plastic bag might be suggested due to the evidences of higher plant growth, yield and quality, ease to purchase, low price and durability.