Optimization of technological measures to increase the yield of melon seeds with drip irrigation

Goal. To increase the yield and quality of melon seeds, to determine the optimal technological measures for growing seeds, and to study their impact on the formation of seed productivity and yield of seeds in conditions of use of drip irrigation. Methods. Field (determination of seed yield), biometric (counts and measurements), laboratory (analysis of seed quality), mathematical and statistical (analysis of variance and statistical processing of study results) using modern research methods. Results. The study was conducted at the Dnipropetrovsk research station of the Institute of Vegetable and Melon Production of NAAS in 2021–2023. The optimal period of sowing seeds in melon seed crops with the drip irrigation method was the beginning of the second decade of May. For sowing seeds in the III decade of April and May, the yield of seeds decreased, respectively, by 27.6–29.5 kg/ha (17.4–21.3%, the first term), and 35.8–39.7 kg / ha (23.4–28.3%, the third term). It was proved that the highest yield of seeds (169.6 kg/ha) was obtained for sowing schemes 1.4 × 0.35 m and plant density 20.3 thousand pieces/ha in the second sowing period with the use of drip irrigation of seed plants. Crop growth compared with control (1.4 × 0.7 m, 10.2 thousand units/ha) was 25.1 kg / ha (17.4%). Yield of melon seeds in conditions of the drip irrigation method increased by 24.3–41.2 kg / ha (32.1–35.5%) compared to the indicator in versions without irrigation. The higher yield of conditioned seeds from fruits (90.7–92.8%) was fixed in the second sowing period, depending on the sowing scheme for drip irrigation. It was established that the highest profit (121.5 thousand UAH/ha) and profitability (241.7%) were for growing melon seeds according to the scheme of sowing 1,4 × 0.35 m and plant density 20.3 thousand pieces/ha with sowing seeds in the second decade of May (second term) in conditions of drip irrigation. Conclusions. Research data on the influence of drip irrigation on the indicators of seed productivity, yield, and quality of melon seeds are given for consideration. It was found that drip irrigation of seed plants was a leading factor in increasing the yield and quality of seeds. The optimal term of seed sowing, sowing scheme, and density of plants for growing melon seeds in conditions of drip irrigation was determined.