Effect of silicon oxide and salicylic acid on yield, yield components, and some biochemical properties of Persian melon (Cucumis melo var. inodorus)

This study was carried out to enhance yield and quality of Persian melon crop in a factorial experiment based on a randomized complete block design with three replications at the Research Farm of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad in 2018. The treatments consisted of foliar application of salicylic acid at three concentrations (0, 1, and 2 mM) and root drowning in the aqueous solution of silicon oxide at three concentrations (0, 0.5, and 1 g/L). The measured traits were the number of days to flowering, average fruit weight, average fruit production per plant, fruit number per plant, final yield, total phenol, antioxidant activity, proline, and soluble carbohydrate. Results showed that the highest fruit yield, total carbohydrate, and antioxidant activity were obtained in the interaction effect of 2 mM salicylic acid spray with 0.5 g/L silicon oxide application. The amount of proline and total phenol increased in 2 mM salicylic acid and 0.5 g/L silicon oxide treatment compared to control. In this experiment, foliar application of 2 mM salicylic acid with 0.5 g/L silicon oxide were superior to other treatments in the most measured traits.