Weed competition in muskmelon and its effects on yield and fruit quality

Field studies were conducted at Newe Ya'ar (northern Israel) during 1986 and 1988 to examine the critical period of weed competition in muskmelon (Cucumis melo L. cv. Galia). The yield of the control (weed free throughout the season) in 1988 was 45% higher than in 1986. In 1988, weed control was required within 6 weeks after seedling emergence in order to maintain fruit quality. Total yield was reduced significantly only if weeding started 7 weeks after emergence or later. Muskmelon remained competitive and maintained optimal yield potential if kept weed free during the first month of crop growth. The critical period for weed control in muskmelon was at the initiation of the rapid fresh-weight accumulation of the weeds and the pistillate flowering peak of the crop. Under Newe Ya'ar conditions this occurred 4–6 weeks after emergence of the crop.