Magnesium uptake however, can be depressed by an excess of other cations (potassium, ammonium and calcium) so it is important to maintain a correct balance to avoid compromising uptake. An imbalance of cations will lower peel firmness. Magnesium – in balance with potassium and calcium – ensures good pulp firmness.
Improving Melon Fruit Firmness
Most melon consumers are looking for a fruit with firm flesh. Melon firmness is therefore key.
Calcium
A lot of calcium is taken up during early plant growth. This encourages vigorous leaf production. A relatively small proportion of this – 15% - is found in the fruit, these levels of the nutrient are critical in maintaining good fruit firmness with minimal cracking.
Lack of melon firmness can be a result of poor calcium nutrition. High levels of calcium thicken cell walls and firm the fruit. However, calcium needs to be balanced with adequate supplies of boron to prevent cracking. Trials confirm that calcium nitrate is particularly effective at ensuring good fruit quality.
Magnesium
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Influencing melon quality
The aim of any producer is a high quality crop that satisfies the end user.
Reducing Melon Fruit Cracking
To avoid melon fruit cracking, growers can select more tolerant melon varieties and grow them on soils where drainage is not a problem and where water supply can be properly managed.
Increasing Melon Fruit Netting
Melon netting is the waxy, raised crisscross, net-like protecting structure found on the rind of some Cantaloupe types.
