With the objective of evaluating fruit quality of hibrid melons after application of imidacloprid by fertirrigation and spraying to control whitefly (Bemisia argentifolii Bellows & Perring), a research was carried out at the agricultural region of Mossoró-Açu, Brazil. A randomized complete block design in a split-plot scheme with four replications was used. The methods of application of imidacloprid (fertirrigation, spraying and control) were used in the plots and in the split-plot the melon hibrids (Orange Flesh, AF 682 and Hy-Mark) were planted. Evaluation of insect population, melon fruit yield, pulp firmness, soluble solids contents, acidity, pH, total and, reducing and non reducing sugar content were analyzed. The methods of insecticide application of imidacloprid had a significant effect on fruit and in reducing sugar contents. There was an increasing on melon fruit yield of 20.52% and 13.54% when the population of whitefly was controlled by fertirrigation and spraying methods, respectively, as compared to control.
Cucumis melo L; imidacloprid; whitefly; chemical control
