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Efficiency of phosphorus use by melon genotypes1 1 Research developed at Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido, Mossoró, RN, Brazil

Eficiência de uso de fósforo por genótipos de meloeiro

HIGHLIGHTS:

The plant characteristic that most contribute to the divergence between the genotypes is main branch length.

Under phosphorus restriction, the unimproved genotypes show greater efficiency of use and internal use of this nutrient.

The genotypes A-16, A-29, A-50, A-52 and ‘Trinity’ are efficient and responsive in the phosphorus restriction condition.

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of phosphorus use with melon genotypes cultivated in a hydroponic system. Ten melon genotypes were evaluated in solutions with and without phosphorus restriction. A randomized block design in a 10 × 2 factorial scheme was used, with five replicates. The following characteristics were evaluated: leaf number, stem diameter, main branch length, root system length, root system volume, chlorophyll, root and shoot phosphorus concentration ratio, total phosphorus, root and shoot dry matter ratio, total dry matter, and phosphorus use, acquisition, and internal utilization efficiencies. The existence of variability among genotypes was verified for all evaluated characteristics, except for chlorophyll. Genotypes A-16, A-29, A-50, A-52, and Trinity were classified as efficient and responsive in the phosphorus-restricted solution and are promising for breeding studies.

Key words:
Cucumis melo L.; phosphorus acquisition; plant breeding; plant nutrition; phosphorus response

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