FRUIT PRODUCTION, AND DRY MATTER ACCUMULATION AND PARTITIONING IN GÁLIA MELON UNDER SALINE STRESS AND POTASSIUM LEVELS IN HYDROPONIC CULTIVATION

ABSTRACT Potassium, due to its physiological functions, can enhance plant tolerance to salinity. Based on this premise, the present study aimed to evaluate fruit production and biomass partitioning in Gália melon (McLaren hybrid) fertigated with saline nutrient solutions supplemented with additional potassium. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with four treatments: S1 – standard nutrient solution (2.5 dS·m⁻1); S2 – salinized nutrient solution with NaCl (5.0 dS·m⁻1); S3 – salinized solution with NaCl + 50% additional K (6.5 dS·m⁻1); and S4 – salinized solution with NaCl + 100% additional K (7.5 dS·m⁻1). The following variables were evaluated: fruit production, stem dry mass, root dry mass, fruit dry mass, total dry mass, and biomass partitioning among plant organs. Salinity stress significantly reduced fruit production and shoot dry matter accumulation in melon plants. Potassium supplementation did not mitigate the negative effects of salinity on biomass accumulation. High potassium doses led to a reduction in fruit dry mass.