Abstract
Effects of little solar radiation on vegetative growth of plants and fruits and quality in fruits of‘Prince’melon were investigated by limitation of solar radiation with blackcheesecloth, of limitation ratio of about 50%, in this study. Leaf area of secondary vines was retarded by limitation of solar radiation in growth period of fruits. Leaf area of tertiary vines increased by limitation of solar radiation in maturation period of fruits. But the thickness of leaves of tertiary vines was thin. Dry weight of each organ of plants, as vines, leaves and fruits was a decrease of 20 to 30% and dry weight of axillary bud was a decrease of about 50% in plots of limitation of solar radiation as compared with control plots. The size of fruits became small and form of many fruits became abnormal, like a bottle gourd by limitation of solar radiation in growth period of fruits. But the soluble solids in these fruits became higher than those in fruits in control plots, because limitation of solar radiation was stopped in maturation period of fruits. By limitation of solar radiation in maturation period of fruits, the quality of fruits deteriorated, namely, reserve of sugar, formation of salmon pink pigment or aroma in fruit flesh were retarded. Mineral nutrient as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium in fruits, as nitrogen and phosphorus in leaves were increased by limitation of solar radiation.
