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Effect of Potassium on Yield,

Fruit Quality, and Chemical
Composition of Greenhouse-
Grown Galia Melon
a b
Mehmet Ali Demiral & A. Turgut Köseoglu
a
Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture,
University of Adnan Menderes, Aydin, Turkey
b
Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture,
University of Akdeniz, Antalya, Turkey
Version of record first published: 14 Feb 2007.

To cite this article: Mehmet Ali Demiral & A. Turgut Köseoglu (2005): Effect of
Potassium on Yield, Fruit Quality, and Chemical Composition of Greenhouse-Grown
Galia Melon, Journal of Plant Nutrition, 28:1, 93-100

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 Journal of Plant Nutrition, 28: 93–100, 2005
Copyright © Taylor & Francis Inc.
ISSN: 0190-4167 print / 1532-4087 online
DOI: 10.1081/PLN-200042179

Effect of Potassium on Yield, Fruit Quality,

and Chemical Composition of Greenhouse-Grown
Galia Melon

Mehmet Ali Demiral1 and A. Turgut Köseoglu2

Downloaded by [Cornell University] at 14:45 30 November 2012

1
Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Adnan Menderes,
Aydin, Turkey
2
Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Akdeniz,
Antalya, Turkey

ABSTRACT

The effect of different potassium (K) rates on yield, fruit quality, and chemical compo-
sition of greenhouse-grown melon (Cucumis melo L., cv. Galia) was investigated. The
experiment was carried out in a greenhouse similar to that used by farmers in the coastal
Mediterranean region of Turkey. Control and three rates of potassium (0, 200, 400,
600 mg L−1 ) were applied to cv. Galia in a randomized complete block design with 3
replications. Leaf and fruit quality analyses were carried out and yield was determined.
Different rates of potassium had no effect on yield. However, fruit number and fruit
firmness were higher than the control at the 400 and 600 mg L−1 rates. Total soluble
solids were higher than the control at the 600 mg L−1 rate. Average fruit weight was
lower than the control at the 600 mg L−1 rate. Treatments did not affect nitrogen (N),
phosphorus (P), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and zinc (Zn) contents of leaves, but
leaf K content was higher than the control at all three rates. Iron (Fe) content was lower
than the control at the 600 mg L−1 rate and manganese (Mn) content was lower at the
400 and 600 mg L−1 rates. The data from our study indicate that 300 mg L−1 K in the
root zone was sufficient for optimum yield of greenhouse-grown Galia melons. In terms
of total yield, it is not necessary to apply higher rates of K. However, results show that
it is possible to improve fruit quality by applying as much as 600 mg L−1 additional K
to the plants without a reduction in yield.
Keywords: potassium, melon (Cucumis melo L.), chemical composition, fruit quality,
greenhouse

Received 11 April 2003; accepted 13 April 2004.

Address correspondence to Mehmet Ali Demiral, Department of Soil Science, Fac-
ulty of Agriculture, University of Adnan Menderes, Aydin 09100, Turkey; E-mail:
meadtr@yahoo.com.

93
 94 Demiral and Köseoglu

INTRODUCTION

Greenhouse-grown melons capture high prices in the marketplace in the coastal

Mediterranean area of Turkey. However, under greenhouse conditions fruit qual-
ity is lower than in melons grown in the field and this concern reduces prices.
Hence, producing early fruit with higher quality is more important than pro-
ducing higher total yields. It is known that fruit quality of some plants can be
altered with fertilization and in particular by supplying sufficient potassium (K)
to plants (Jones, 1961; Ozbun et al., 1967; Bar-Yosef, 1996; Ming et al., 1996;
Souza et al., 1998; Panagiotopoulos et al., 2001). In tomato, higher available K
Downloaded by [Cornell University] at 14:45 30 November 2012

levels around the root zone increased leaf, flower, and fruit formation (Besford
and Maw, 1975), and fruit number (Davies and Winsor, 1967). The purpose
of this study was to compare different K rates and evaluate their influence on
yield, fruit quality and chemical composition of greenhouse-grown melons.
Results of this study will be used to make recommendations for K fertilization
of greenhouse-grown melons in the region.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study was carried out under greenhouse conditions at the Citrus and Green-
house Crops Research Institute, Antalya, Turkey. Seedlings of melon (Cucumis
melo L., cv. galia) were planted on February 15, 1998 in a greenhouse. The
experiment layout was a randomized complete block design with 3 replicates.
Seedlings were arranged in 4 rows on each plot, with rows 90 cm apart, and
plants spaced 33 cm apart within the row, with a total of 44 plants per plot.
Treatments consisted of 3 K levels (200, 400, 600 mg L−1 ) and a control
(0 mg L−1 ). Potassium treatments were given via a trickle irrigation system
and each irrigation was amended with fertilizer. Nitrogen (N) (115 mg L−1 ),
phosphorus (P) (35 mg L−1 ), and magnesium (Mg) (50 mg L−1 ) were also
added to the irrigation water at each irrigation (Franco et al., 1993).
According to keys to Soil Taxonomy (Soil Survey Staff, 1998) research
soil is Typic Xerorthent and its geomorphologic unit is Colluvium. In order to
decrease fertilizer accumulation, approximately 40% sand was mixed into the
soil before planting. Soil analysis made before planting (Kacar, 1995), with the
mixed sand included, showed the following soil characteristics: high available
K (300 mg kg−1 ), Mg (238 mg kg−1 ), P (88 mg kg−1 ), and low calcium (Ca)
(1500 mg kg−1 ) (Pizer, 1967; Olsen and Sommers, 1982; Köseoglu and Acar,
1994); texture, sandy loam (SL) (sand, 63.3%, silt, 18.5% and clay, 18.2%);
low alkali (pH 7.6); poor in organic matter (1.1%) with high CaCO3 (25.3%);
and non-salty (210 µmhos/cm) (Kellogg, 1952; Thun et al., 1955; Evliya, 1964;
Soil Survey Staff, 1951).
Leaf samples were picked randomly from each replication during the
full bloom period of plants. Physiologically mature leaves, free of damage or
 Effect of Potassium on Yield Fruit Quality 95

defects, were sampled. The leaves had the same physiological age and were
situated at one-third the distance from the apex of branches (Valenzuela et al.,
1994). The leaf samples were immediately transported to the laboratory in
closed polyethylene bags. In order to eliminate surface contamination, leaves
were carefully washed with liquid soap (Teepol 0.1%), rinsed in tap water, and
rinsed again with deionized water.
For nutrient element analysis, leaf samples were placed in paper bags and
dried in a forced-air oven at 70◦ C for 72 hours. The dried leaf samples were
then ground in a stainless steel Wiley mill. The total N content of the dried leaf
samples was analyzed by the Kjeldahl digestion procedure. For the determina-
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tion of P, K, Ca, Mg, iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), and manganese (Mn), the dried leaf
samples were wet digested in a mixture of 4:1 nitric acid:perchloric acid. The
concentrations of Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, and Mn in the digest were determined by
atomic absorption spectrophotometry; K, by flame photometry; and P, by the
vanadomolybdophosphoric method (Kacar, 1972).
For fruit quality analysis, fully ripe fruits, free from defects or decay, were
selected. Fruit firmness (kg/cm2 ) was determined by hand penetrometry. Total
soluble solids (%) were determined using hand refractometry (Horwitz, 1970).
In addition, total yield (kg/plot), fruit number (fruit/plot) and average fruit
weight (g/fruit) were measured.
Analysis of variance procedures was performed for leaf nutrient element
content, yield, and fruit quality properties according to Little and Hills (1978).
Mean separation was performed with least significant difference (LSD) at
P ≤ 0.05.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Potassium did not affect yield. However, fruit number and firmness were higher
at the 400 and 600 mg L−1 rates than the control (Table 1). In addition, total
soluble solids were higher at the 600 mg L−1 rate than the control. Average
fruit weight was less at the 600 mg L−1 rate than the control.
Among the macro elements, only leaf K content was affected (Table 2).
All three rates of K increased K content compared to the control. As reported
by Ribas et al. (2001), increasing K levels did not affect concentration of foliar
N, P, and K levels in melon. Among the trace elements, Fe content was lower
at the 600 mg L−1 rate and Mn was lower at the 400 and 600 mg L−1 rates than
the control. Zinc was not affected by K (Table 3).
Treatments did not increase total yield significantly, probably as a result
of the high K content of the greenhouse soil. However, most greenhouses in
the Antalya region have similar soil conditions because of intensive cultivation.
Therefore, this study might be evaluated as a comparison of moderate and high
rates of K application. It is clear that high available K content in the root zone
is sufficient for optimum yield of Galia melon grown under these conditions.
 96 Demiral and Köseoglu

Table 1
Effect of increasing concentration of K in irrigation water on total
yield and fruit quality

Potassium (K) rates (mg L−1 )

Analyses (0) (200) (400) (600)

Total yield (kg/plot) 25∗ 26 27 26

Fruit number (fruit/plot) 32b 37ab 41a 42a
Average fruit weight (g/fruit) 785a 704ab 657ab 616b
Total soluble solids (%) 6.3b 8.1ab 8.2ab 8.6a
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Fruit firmness (kg/cm2 ) 2.9b 3.5ab 4.1a 4.1a

∗
Values are means of three replications. Mean separations by
least significant difference (LSD) at P ≤ 0.05.

Compared with traditional irrigation methods, trickle irrigation was reported to

improve K mobility in soil and readily correct K deficiency in prune trees (Uriu
et al., 1980). Franco et al. (1993) showed that under greenhouse conditions the
application of 225 mg L−1 K for melon resulted in the highest yield.
Total soluble solids and fruit firmness increased at the highest K rates
(Table 1). Increases in firmness and total soluble solids are reported to be
closely related to increased plant lignification at higher K applications (Aktas,
1991). It is known that total soluble solids and fruit firmness are related to flavor
and consumer acceptance of fruits. According to Marschner (1986), when K
is deficient in plants, lignification of vascular bundles is impaired. Bar-Yosef
(1996) indicated that high leaf K concentration increased dry matter production

Table 2
Effect of increasing concentration of K in irrigation water
on macro element content of leaves

Potassium (K) rates (mg L−1 )

Plant nutrient (0) (200) (400) (600)

(%)
N 5.45∗ 5.40 5.40 5.50
P 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40
K 3.85a 4.60b 4.60b 4.70b
Ca 3.90 3.90 3.80 3.75
Mg 0.80 0.85 0.80 0.80
∗
Values are means of three replications. Mean separa-
tions by least significant difference (LSD) at P ≤ 0.05
 Effect of Potassium on Yield Fruit Quality 97

Table 3
Effect of increasing concentration of K in irrigation water
on micro element content of leaves

Potassium (K) rates (mg L−1 )

Plant nutrient (0) (200) (400) (600)

(mg kg−1 )
Fe 98.0a∗ 91.0ab 91.0ab 70.0b
Mn 53.0a 51.0a 38.5b 35.0b
Zn 29.5 31.5 32.0 32.0
Downloaded by [Cornell University] at 14:45 30 November 2012

∗
Values are means of three replications. Mean separa-
tions by least significant difference (LSD) at P ≤ 0.05

in greenhouse-grown muskmelon. Ming et al. (1996), Souza et al. (1998), and

Panagiotopoulos et al. (2001) stated that changes in total soluble solids showed
a close relationship with potassium in melon. In contrast, average fruit weight
decreased as the fruit number increased (Table 1). Kim et al. (1991) stated that
increasing salt accumulation, including K, decreased fruit size and weight in
melon. Besford and Maw (1975) stated that blossom and fruit formation and
average fruit number per plant were positively affected by higher K application
in tomato. These results indicate that it is possible to improve fruit quality by
applying much higher K to plants.
Despite the high available K contents of the soil used in this study, according
to Jones et al. (1991), the K content of leaves was classified as “low” in the
control and “sufficient” in the other treatments (Table 2). Calcium content of
the control leaves was “high” and the Mg content was “sufficient” (Table 2).
Although high levels of K were already in the soil, these results showed that
either K was not transported sufficiently to the upper parts of the plants or K
uptake of the plants was limited by other cations such as Ca, Mg, or NH4 . In
either situation, it may be possible that still higher K levels could be applied to
soil to improve fruit quality without a reduction in yield.
Potassium is absorbed rapidly and this causes competition for the uptake
of other cations. Therefore, the potential for K uptake increases or decreases
under the effects of other cations in the soil. However, this interaction is not
always so simple. For example, Mg is taken up by plants as Mg+2 and the
speed of this uptake is lower than that for K+ . Potassium can be absorbed in
both active and passive ways. However, Mg is absorbed only passively and
hence, absorption and transportation of Mg by a plant decreases under high
K concentration in the root zone. Nevertheless, some research results suggest
more complex interactions. For example, Mg content of linen seed increases
under high K content in the root area. Similarly, Mg+2 content of potato tuber
increases with higher K content. A similar result was determined in tomato
 98 Demiral and Köseoglu

(Atkas, 1991). According to Valenzuela et al. (1994) higher K application rates

in melon growing under protected cultivation does not affect Mg contents of
leaves. These results show that the higher K rates have either positive effects on
uptake and transportation of Mg in plants or have no effect on these parameters.
However, this interaction is not always the same for Ca. On the contrary, Ca is
not active in phloem and this element is not transported easily in plant tissues.
Therefore, an antagonistic interaction between the K and Ca contents of the
leaves was determined.
Because of probable competition with other cations, Fe and Mn contents
of leaves tended to decrease with increasing K application rates (Table 3).
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However, Fe and Mn contents of leaves were classified as “sufficient” in plants

of the control and 200 mg L−1 K application plots (Jones et al., 1991). As
reported by Aktas (1991), Mn is absorbed as Mn+2 like Fe and its absorption
can be limited by other cations. Valenzuela et al. (1994) stated that the effects
of high K applications on total Fe content of melon leaves were insignificant.
The data from our study indicate that 300 mg L−1 K in the root zone was
sufficient for optimum yield of greenhouse-grown Galia melons. In terms of
total yield, it is not necessary to apply higher rates of K. However, the results of
this study show that it is possible to improve fruit quality by applying as much
as 600 mg L−1 additional K to the plants without a reduction in yield.

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