The effect of nitrogen concentrations (80; 140; 200 and 300 mg L-1) and fruit number per plant (2; 3; 4 and free setting), on the quality of net melon fruits (Cucumis melo var. reticulatus, Bonus nº 2 hybrid) was investigated. The experiment was carried out at UNESP-FCAV, Jaboticabal, Brazil, using a NFT hydroponic system, from June to November/2001. The experimental design was of randomized split plots, with six replications. Total soluble solids content and total acidity were higher in fruits harvested from plants with a smaller number of pre-set fruits. A slight increase was observed on total acidity due to the increase of nitrogen concentration in nutrient solution, without any significant effect on total soluble solids. An increase of the N concentration and the number of fruits per plant resulted in a reduction of fruit longitudinal and transversal diameters and pulp thickness. Fruit shape index was equal or close to one.
Cucumis melo var. reticulatus; plant nutrition; cultivation; hydroponics; quality
