The effect of plant trimming on netted melons (Cucumis melo L.) production, grown under plastic tunnels

The experiment was carried out during 1998, at the trial field, in west sea coast zone of Albania (Divjaka), estimating the different types of trimming on netted melon (Cucumis melo L.), IPP-6006 F-1 cultivar (Italian type). The seeds were sown on plastic container, on 10(th) of February, whereas the seedlings were planted under tunnels on 25 March on randomized block with 3 replications at spacing of 160 cm between rows and 100 cm apart in row. Two plants per hole were left, so total plant number was approximately 12500 per hectare. Types of trimming or treatments used were: T-1 (0-0-0)- control, without trimming; T-2 (3-0-0)- main stem trimmed after third leaf;, T-3 (3-8-0)- main stem stopped after third leaf and side shoots of first order, also stopped after 8(th) leaf, leaving only two first order shoots per plant. T-4 is the same with T-3, leaving three side shoots of first order. Furthermore T-5, T-6, T-7 are like T-2, T-3, T-4, but have been applying several additional operations as removal of unproductive shoots, cutting productive shoots leaving only one leaf after the fruit set and removal some of fruits leaving in this way, 6 fruits per plant according to programming. It has been concluded that trimming process is an affective way, enhancing melon yield. 6 and 7 treatments applying (3-8-0) type of trimming, that means, leaving 2-3 side shoots at first order, accompanying with some other additional operations have given highest yield. Compared with control were obtained 55-75 % more production respectively. Trimming has increased harvested and marketable fruits, but no effect was exhibited on fruit mean weight. Trimming operations have also influenced early production and increased the incomes too, meeting in this way market demands.