Pengaruh Pemberian Dosis Pupuk KNO3 pada Dua Varietas Melon (Cucumis melo L.) terhadap Produksi dan Tingkat Kemanisan Buah

Abstract

Melon (Cucumis melo L.) is one of the horticultural commodities originating from the Cucurbitaceae family. The increasing demand for melon commodities and problems often encountered in melon cultivation, including the bland taste of the fruit, have led to the need to increase production by using superior seeds and proper fertilization. This study aims to determine the effect of KNO3 fertilizer doses on two melon varieties on production and fruit sweetness levels. This study was conducted on Jl. Ampera VI No. 31 E, at an altitude of 20 meters above sea level with coordinates 3° 36′ 45″ N, 98° 40′ 32″ E, Medan Timur District, Medan City, North Sumatra from February to June 2025. This study used a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with 2 treatment factors and 4 replications. The first factor was the variety (Pertiwi; Glamour) and the second factor was the KNO3 fertilizer dosage (0; 4; 6; 8/plant). The results showed that the use of two varieties had no significant effect on all observed parameters. The application of 4 grams of KNO3 fertilizer per plant significantly affected fruit weight per plant, fruit diameter, and fruit flesh thickness. The interaction between variety treatment and KNO₃ fertilizer dose did not significantly affect all observed parameters