Influence of Mulching and Salt Content of Irrigation Water on the Performance of Fruit Vegetables in the Arid Sandy Soils of Oman; II: Watermelon Growth and Yield

摘要

Five introduced watermelon genotypes (Rouge Fl, Crimson Tide Fl, Top Yield Fl, Paladin Fl, and Sweet Charlee Fl) were tested at four sites (ARC-farm, Jimmah, Alkamel and Sohar) with varying levels of irrigation water salinity to evaluate their adaptability in the Sultanate of Oman. The results showed significant differences in yield and number of fruits among genotypes, sites, and mulching treatments. Significant interactions were also recognized between site x mulching and site x genotype. Marked differences in total soluble solids (TSS) were noted among different sites, mulching and genotypes. Pulp thickness, rind thickness and dry biomass also differed significantly among genotypes, sites, and between mulching treatments, whereas significant differences in branching were observed among sites and between mulching treatments. The sites interacted significantly with mulching and genotypes for dry biomass and branching. The concentrations of Na~+ and Cl~- in the leaves were generally low. However, significant differences in Na~+ accumulation were detected among sites, mulching and genotypes, whereas Cl~- concentration showed significant differences among sites only. Since genotypes with salt tolerance traits failed to produce economical yields under the saline conditions of ARC-farm, it is suggested that this site might not be suitable for commercial production of watermelon. This farm could best be utilized, either for production of halophytes of economic value or glycophytes of proven tolerance.