Effect of planting density on earliness and fruit and seed yield of muskmelon

The effects of varying planting densities on earliness and fruit and seed yield in muskmelon were investigated during 2012 and 2013 at University Seed Farm, Ladhowal of PAU, Ludhiana. The results indicated that the wider plant spacing of 1.1 plants per linear furrow meter not only produced early harvest but the vines were also healthy and longer than the others. There was significant increase in total yield with higher planting density of 3.3 and 2.2 plants per linear furrow meter over recommended planting density of 1.7. But there was decrease in the marketable yield at the higher plant population of 3.3 and 2.2 plants per linear furrow meter. The higher planting density of 3.3 plants per linear furrow meter had maximum number of fruits per unit area and also produced the boldest seed among all the treatments and thus had high seed yield index. Therefore, if the ultimate aim is getting the maximum seed yield from muskmelon, the planting density of 3.3 proved to be the best.