Fruit Yield and Physicochemical Quality Evaluation of Hybrid and Grafted Field-Grown Muskmelon in Pennsylvania

Selecting vegetable cultivars suitable to local environmental conditions and with quality traits desired by the evolving market consumer needs is an important production decision farmers face annually. As seed companies continue expand their offerings of new rootstocks, selecting best cultivar and/or scion/rootstock combination can be challenging for farmers. Land-grant universities, through integrated research extension programs, provide unbiased, science-based evaluation available rootstock options assist in making this selection. A two-year study was conducted evaluate 20 hybrid two grafted entries muskmelons at three locations Pennsylvania 2018 2019 recommendations focused on fruit yield physicochemical characteristics. Most did not differ yields from standard “Aphrodite”. “Sugar Cube” produced more, smaller sized melons than However, soluble solids concentration, flesh pH, titratable acidity values as favorable, indicating that preference may lower other cultivars. Yield different non-grafted “Aphrodite”; although, biotic abiotic stressors favoring use grafting were present throughout study. Physicochemical “Aphrodite” scion “Flexifort” more favorable “Aphrodite/RS841” This desirable even absence stressors.