1	The Effect of In-Row Transplant Spacing on Sprite Melon Yield and Sizes W.R. Jester and Brad Taylor, Department of Horticulture Science, North Carolina State University
2	Objectives To determine the in-row spacing producing the highest counts of 20 to 24 count/box melons. To characterize the distribution of sizes. The effect in-row spacing has on marketable total yield.
3	Introduction Sprite Melon – Oriental Crisp Flesh Cucumis melo ??
4	Introduction Cultural practices, harvesting techniques and markets developed by the NC Specialty Crops Program between 1997 and 2001. 370 acres produced in 2004 generating $3.5 million.
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8	Sprite Ready for Harvest
9	Materials and Methods On-Farm 2003 and 2004. Shingleton Farms, Stantonsburg, NC Plasticulture; 5 feet wide centers with a 32 inch bed top. Treated with 16 gallons of Telone II. Drip (“Queen Gil” tape, 8 mil, 4 inch emitter spacing delivering .52 gpm /100’) using a standard muskmelon fertigation schedule (130 lbs/a N, 50 lbs/a P₂0₅, 180 lbs/a K₂O).
10	Materials and Methods Randomized Complete Block (RCB) Four replications Plot size: 5’ wide X 20’ long with a 5’ alley In-Row Transplant Spacing 12 inch = 20 plants/Plot 18 inch = 13 plants/Plot 24 inch = 10 plants/Plot 30 inch = 8 plants/Plot 36 inch = 7 plants/Plot 42 inch = 6 plants/Plot
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18	Materials and Methods Transplant seeding dates March 31, 2003 March 22, 2004 Planting dates April 29, 2003 April 26, 2004 Harvest dates 2003: July 10, July 17, July 30 2004: July 6, July 12, July 15
19	Materials and Methods 2 beehives per acre were placed in the field at first female bloom. Middles were treated with Curbit 3EC and Gramoxone prior to transplanting. Spray program both years: Seven day rotation at first fruit 1.Cabrio+Maneb+Pounce 2.Topsin M+Bravo+Asana 3.Nova+Maneb+Pounce 4.Topsin M+Bravo+Asana 5)Start over at 1.(No maneb 7 days prior to harvest).
20	Materials and Methods Harvesting and Grading Melons were harvested, weighed and counted by plot. They were then sized with the grower’s sizer as follows: 15-18 Count/Box = 4.0”to >5” diameter 20 Count/Box = 4.0” to 4.5” diameter 24 Count/Box = 3.75” to 4.0” diameter 28 Count/Box = 3.5” to 3.75” diameter Cull = <3.5” diameter Sprite boxes have inside dimensions of 14.5” wide and 22.25” long.
21	Materials and Methods Data Handling Analysis of Variance(F test) and Duncan’s New Multiple Range at P=.05 Marketable Counts, Weight by grade and total weight Grades expressed as % of total melons harvested per treatment. These percentages were transformed using the arcsine square root percent.
22	Results No significant difference in total marketable yield at any in-row spacing in 2003 or 2004. 2003 the 18 inch spacing produced more 24 and 28 count melons than the other treatments. The spacing treatments with regard to 15-18 and 20 count melons were not different.
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24	Result In 2004 the 18” spacing yielded significantly more 20 count melons and significantly fewer 15-18 count melons than other in-row spacing. There was no difference between spacing treatments in the 24 and 28 count grades in 2004.
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26	Results When the data was combined for the two years none of the in-row spacing treatments were significantly different with respect to the 20, 24 and 28 count grades. The 18” spacing produced significantly less 15-18 count melons than did the 24”,30”,36”and 42” in-row spacing.
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28	Conclusions The evidence points towards planting at 18” spacing to maximize 20 to 24 count grades. In-row spacing between 12”and 42” has little effect on the season long total marketable yield.
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