Studies of the Sand-cultured Muskmelons in the Greenshouse ( I ) : On the Growth, Yield and Quality of the Muskmelons in Summer and Autumn Cropping Seasons

The unique greenhouse sand-culturing method of muskmelon (Cucumis melo L. var. reticulatus NAUD. (Earl\u27s Favourite)) had established by Yuasa Experimental Farm, Kinki University. This is a report of the growth and the quality of the fruits reared in summer and autumnal seasons. The results of the investigation were as mentioned hereunder. (1) The length of the cropping season is 96 days in summer, but 98 days in case of the autumnal cultivation, slightly longer than that of the summer melons. In particular, the time length of their fruit maturity after their crossing was tended to be delayed. (2) The growth rate of the fruits is most spectacular for 4～17 days after the crossing. Then, the growth of the fruits became somewhat dilatory, and the sizes of the melons could roughly be determined for 24～32 days after the crossing. It was discovered, furthermore, that regarding the shapes of the melons, the vertical length of those grown in summer was longer thanthe horizontal length, but the shape of the autumnal melons was entirely contrary to those produced in summer. (3) Regarding the average weight of a fruit raised in summer season was 1.4kg and those grown in autumn was 1.6kg respectively. The generation of nets on the fruits of melons cultivated in both seasons were good. The sugar content of summer melons was 12.6％, and that of autumnal melons was 12.8％ respectively. With regard to the quality of melons, those borne in both summer and autumn were excellent