Yield and Fruit Quality of Four Melon Varieties Cultivated Using the Deep Flow Technique Hydroponic System

Abstract

This study compares the yield, fruit quality, and economic return of four melon varieties: Galia, Asahi, Khaitongkham, and Baramee. The experiment was conducted in a closed greenhouse using the Deep Flow Technique (DFT) hydroponic system in Sa Kaeo Province, Thailand. The experiment used a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with four treatments, each replicated five times with 10 plants per replication. Data were collected from five plants per replication for analysis. The results showed that Baramee produced the highest average fruit weight (1.9875 ± 0.1021 kg), which was statistically significant (p < 0.05) compared to the other three varieties: Galia (1.6975 ± 0.0386 kg), Asahi (1.6225 ± 0.0866 kg), and Khaitongkham (1.5400 ± 0.1414 kg). However, the Galia exhibited the highest total soluble solids content, measuring 15.5500 ± 0.0577 °Brix, which was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than Baramee (14.9500 ± 0.5562 °Brix), Asahi (14.8000 ± 0.0817 °Brix), and Khaitongkham (14.1500 ± 0.0577 °Brix). Cultivating melons in a closed greenhouse system with a DFT hydroponic system effectively reduced pest and disease infestations. This resulted in high-quality fruit flesh and rind with no spoilage or cracking observed. The survival rate of all four melon varieties exceeded 97%, with no statistically significant differences. Furthermore, the Baramee variety provided the highest economic return, generating a profit of 28,750.63 THB per production cycle. These findings can be applied to improve the cultivation of melons or other crops, enhancing production efficiency and ensuring sustainable income for farmers.