Date-Palm Compost as Soilless Substrate Improves Plant Growth, Photosynthesis, Yield and Phytochemical Quality of Greenhouse Melon (Cucumis melo L.)

The selection of adequate substrate for soilless culture is based on technical and economic considerations. Therefore, the search alternatives by valorization natural by-products gaining importance. main objective this study was to compare effects local farm resources, date-palm waste, as substrate, coconut fiber (CF) (commonly used in culture) melon (Cucumis melo L.) plant growth, water relations, photosynthesis, chlorophyll fluorescence well phytochemical analysis under hydroponics system. Two growing substrates were tested: compost date palm waste added animal manure (7:3 w w?1) (DPAM) trunk (DPT). Coconut soil positive negative controls, respectively, randomized blocks. Results showed that vegetative growth improved DPT CF while enhanced fruit yield properties: Total soluble solids TSS (% Brix), total dissolved solutes (TDS); Titratable acidity (as citric acid); Sugar content juice pH fruit. Date-palm waste-based compared soil-based culture. It seems substrates, especially compost, could be promising cheaper commonly Tunisia cultures.