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Oxygation Improves Yield and Quality and Minimizes Internal Fruit Crack of Cucurbits on a Heavy Clay Soil in the Semi-arid Tropics

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  • Surya Bhattarai
  • Jay Dhungel
  • David Midmore

Abstract

This study evaluated the effects of aerated irrigation water (oxygation) with subsurface drip irrigation, employing an in-line air injector (Mazzei venturi to introduce 12% air by volume of water) on yield, fruit quality and water use efficiency of watermelon (Citrullus vulgaris) and pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima) in a heavy clay soil. The fruit yield with oxygation increased from 14.5 t ha-1 to 24.6 t ha-1, and 26.3 t ha-1 to 28.9 t ha-1, for watermelon and pumpkin, respectively. The total soluble solids (ºBrix) increased by 19% with oxygation (13.2 vs. 11.1%), and  internal fruit crack decreased for watermelon, whereas fruit dry matter increased by 4% (40 vs. 38.4%) and ºBrix by 7% (13.7 vs. 12.8%) in pumpkin. Season long water use efficiency was greater with oxygation compared to the control. The higher yield with oxygation was associated with a more rapid canopy cover, more leaf chlorophyll, and an increase in leaf photosynthetic rate, and leaf transpiration and increase in fruit number and size.

Suggested Citation

  • Surya Bhattarai & Jay Dhungel & David Midmore, 2010. "Oxygation Improves Yield and Quality and Minimizes Internal Fruit Crack of Cucurbits on a Heavy Clay Soil in the Semi-arid Tropics," Journal of Agricultural Science, Canadian Center of Science and Education, vol. 2(3), pages 1-17, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:ibn:jasjnl:v:2:y:2010:i:3:p:17
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    JEL classification:

    • R00 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General - - - General
    • Z0 - Other Special Topics - - General

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