Characteristics of Domestic Net Type Melon in Hydroponic Spring Cultivars Using Coir Substrates

Hydroponics is considered to be useful for crop growth and quality control due to precision in nutrient supply and water management. This study investigated the adaptation of a hydroponic system on a coir substrate for spring season melon cultivars. Thirteen netted domestic cultivars grown in the spring season were evaluated in a Venlo glass greenhouse. Among the 13 cultivars, Santafe', '13 MR Dalgona', 'Earl's Miracle', 'Earl's Crown', and 'Hero' showed soluble solids content (SSC) of 12.0 - 15.5 degrees Brix, higher than that of `Earl's Prugio', `Earl's Kingstar', and 'Fantasy'. At the harvest stage, plant length was longer in 'Earl's Kingstar', 'Earl's Fantasy', 'Earl's Crown', Santafe', and 'Earl's Aibi' than in the other cultivars, and leaf length was longer in 'Earl's Kingstar', 'Earl's Prugio', 'Santafe', 'Earl's Fantasy', and 'PMR Dalgona'. Fruit weight was highest in 'Earl's Kingstar' (2.46 kg) and lowest in Santafe' (1.59 kg), while the other cultivars including 'Earl's Aibi' had almost 2 kg weight. There was a negative correlation between fruit weight and sugar content. The results from this experiment may be useful for adaptability tests of domestic cultivars grown hydroponically using coir substrates. Ultimately, this study will be used as the basis for selecting a cultivar suitable for the export market, determining plant spacing, and establishing quality stabilization for melon hydroponics.