Effect of Planting Date and Pattern on Fruit Yield and Yield Components of Charjo Melon

In order to study the effect of planting date and planting pattern on Chararjo melon (Cucumis melo var inodorus) fruit yield and yield components, an experiment was carried out in an RCBD arranged in a splitfactorial design with four replications. The study was conducted at the Agriculture Research Station of Gonbad for two years (2006-2007). Main plots consisted of four planting dates (April 9, April 21, May 5 and May 22). Sub-plots were combination of row spaces (180, 230 and 280 cm) and within row distances (50 and 70 cm). Plots were furrow irrigated. To obtain fruit yield, fruit weight, fruit number per plant and per hectare, fruits of two middle rows were hand-picked. Analysis of variance was performed each year and means were compared using F protected LSD. To analyze the data, S.A.S. was used. The results showed that with a delay in planting, fruit yield decreased. The fruit yield decease with a delay in planting might be attributed to acceleration of growth stages and shortened period of assimilate accumulation and lesser vegetative growth caused by higher temperatures. Row space 180 cm had the highest fruit yield. There was not any significant difference for fruit yield between two in- row distances, i.e. 50 and 70 cm. Based on two year results, and considering fruit yield and fruit weight, the suitable planting date for Charjo melon in the region might be early April. The appropriate planting pattern might be 180 cm by 70 cm.