There was studied the behavior of two hybrids with netted skin (Bônus nº 2 - green flesh and D. Carlos - orange flesh), conducted with two training methods (one or two stems) and three fruit setting positions (5th until 8th, 9th until 11th and 12th until 15th nodes). The experimental design was of randomized blocks in a factorial arrangement 2 X 2 X 3, and three replications. It was conducted at the second semester of 1998 under a Cwa climate. Single row plots with plants spaced 1,25 m between lines and 0,25 m between plants were dripping irrigated in a greenhouse of arc type, with open side. Plant stems were conducted in an alternated way, one to the left and the other to the right, in a V form, with maximum of two fruits per plant. There were observed interactions between the hybrids and the height of the fruit setting node; between hybrids and the training methods for soluble solids concentration (SSC); between training methods and the fruit setting position for number of fruits per plant and total yield per plant. Plants conducted with two stems presented higher fruit set node (55.17 cm) when compared to the plants conducted with only one stem (39.50 cm). The Bônus nº 2 hybrid presented higher values of dry matter per plant at flowering (22.61 g/plant) and at harvest (74.34 g/plant), higher leaf area at flowering (3,613.83 cm²/plant) and at harvest (7,701.76 cm²/plant), more fruits per plant (1.15), higher total production of fruits per plant (1.18 kg) and SSC (15.0%) when compared to D. Carlos hybrid (16.39 g/plant; 52.48 g/plant; 0.2550 m²/plant; 0.6094 m²/plant; 0.78 fruit; 0.848 kg/fruit and 11.3%, respectively). Plants of 'D. Carlos' conducted with two stems presented higher SSC (12.0%) than those conducted with one stem (10.5%). The fruit set position had not influence on the SSC (12.9 to 13.3%) and average fruit weight (1.050 to 1.090 Kg), however the higher number of fruits per plant (1.05 to 1.30) and higher yield of 1.123 to 1.352 kg per plant were observed in the 9th-11th and 12th-15th nodes. 'D. Carlos' was more precocious (81 days in average) than 'Bônus nº 2' (98 days in average).
Cucumis melo; pruning; fruit setting; training; production
