Horticulture Principles and Practices

636 Chapter 20 Growing Vegetables Outdoors
Cucumber for pickling is grown widely in Michigan, North Carolina, Texas, Florida, and
California, in that decreasing order of importance.
The soil should be deep, well-drained, and slightly acidic for optimal production.
Spacing for fresh market production is commonly 9 × 12 inches (23–31 cm) within rows
and 36–72 inches (0.9–1.8 m) between rows. Excessive nitrogen fertilization in the early
growth may delay flowering. Irrigation is critical during fruiting period; drought causes
small fruit with one shriveled end (“nubbing”). Similarly, pollination is critical for
maximum production. For this, bees should be rented for field production. Common
diseases of cucumber include bacterial wilt and powdery mildew, others are cucumber
mosaic, scab, and angular leaf spot. Common insect pest is the cucumber beetle that is a
vector for bacterial wilt, and others like aphids and mites. After harvesting, cucumber
should never be stored below 55°F (warm season; susceptible to chilling injury).
20.10.2 MELONS (CUCUMIS MELO)
Muskmelon or cantaloupe? Botanically, these two fruits belong to the same species and
are one and the same crop, even though the melon industry favors the term cantaloupe,
because “musk” smacks of foul odor. However, traditionally, in terms of appearance,
cantaloupes are those cultivars with less distinct ribs and sutures on the skin, while
muskmelons have more pronounced ribbing. Internally, cantaloupes have thicker flesh
and smaller, drier seed cavity, while muskmelons have a juicier flesh with larger seed
cavities and a strong, fruity aroma. The third melon category is winter melon (e.g.,
honeydew) that is adapted to high temperatures and semiarid environment.
The key production states of fresh market muskmelons are California, Arizona,
Texas, Georgia, and Indiana. Production on the West Coast is largely cantaloupes for
shipping, while production on the East Coast is for muskmelons.
Muskmelon produces both male and complete flowers. Producers need about one
to two colonies of bees per acre for effective pollination. Fruit quality factors are netting
quality, soluble solids (sugar), flesh color, flesh thickness, flesh texture, and cavity size.
Of these, fruit thickness is largely genetically determined and most stable. Other traits
depend on the cultural environment. A minimum of 9 percent soluble solids (indicator
of sweetness) as measured by a refractometer is the industry standard for production in
California. Tastier cantaloupes register about 14 percent. Warm, sunny days and
cool, clear nights promote higher sugar content. Poor netting is an indication of poor
fruit quality.
Muskmelon is generally grown on 6–8 inches raised bed, spaced 80 inches apart,
center to center. The crop is sensitive to acidity and salinity, preferring a pH of 6.8–8.0.
Growers on the East Coast use drip irrigation with or without plastic mulch. Growers on
the West Coast use furrow irrigation more frequently. Excessive irrigation leads to poor
fruit netting and low sugar content of mature fruit.
Netted melons are ready for harvesting when the fruit naturally separates (called
“slip”) from the vine. For local markets, fruits may be harvested earlier as 1/2 or 1/2
slip (partially attached). For distant markets, it is better to harvest sooner. Fruits on the
market with attached stalks are generally poor quality. It should be pointed out that
winter melons do not slip even when fully mature. After harvesting, melons should be
kept cool to retain quality. If shipping, temperature should be 50–55°F to avoid cold
injury.
Diseases of melons include powdery mildew (Erysiphe cichoracearum), and
bacterial wilt that is the most serious pest on the East Coast. Other pests are the cucumber
mosaic virus and melon aphids.
20.10.3 WATERMELONS (CITRULIS LUNATUS)
Fruit shapes and sizes are variable. Some cultivars are globular while others are oblong,
with others in between. Fruit skin color ranges from green to blackish green. Some
cultivars are yellow. The color may be solid, stripped, or marbled. The flesh color is also