Physiology, biochemistry and yield of melon in a semi-arid region with the application of biostimulants

ABSTRACT Regions with semi-arid climates have environmental conditions that result in abiotic stress to plants. The largest melon (Cucumis melo L.) production area in Brazil, the state of Rio Grande do Norte, has these climatic characteristics. Use of biostimulants in these production systems can mitigate effects of abiotic stress and increase yield and fruit quality. The objective in this study was to evaluate the physiological and production characteristics of melon, under the application of biostimulants. The biostimulants Acadian®, Folicist® and Nov@® were applied and compared to the control treatment (no biostimulants), in ‘Goldex’ and ‘McLaren’ melons. Nov@® led to higher CO2 assimilation, transpiration and stomatal conductance, as well as ascorbate peroxidase, in ‘Goldex’ and ‘McLaren’. Greater catalase was obtained with the application of Nov@®, while the use of Folicist® resulted in higher malondialdehyde content. The cultivar ‘McLaren’ exhibited the best physiological and biochemical performance, and ‘Goldex’ the best yield. Folicist® promotes physiological adaptations to stress without impairing photosynthetic activity. The biostimulants increased yield and number of fruits per plant and promoted physiological adaptations to semi-arid conditions.