Parthenocarpic Fruit Development in Muskmelon Induced by Growth Regulators1

Abstract

Abstract Effects of growth regulators on parthenocarpic fruit development in muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.) were tested under field conditions. Parachlorophenoxyacetic acid (4-CPA) β-naphtoxyacetic acid (β-NOA), gibberellin (GA4+7), and 2-chloro-9-hydroxyfluorene-9-carboxylic acid (chlorflurenol) caused parthenocarpy, when applied directly to flowers at anthesis. Seed coat developed in all parthenocarpic fruits. A positive correlation (r = 0.80) was found between number of seeds, seed coats, and fruit weight. Fruit set was induced under field conditions without bees, by a single spray of 4-CPA or β-NOA or chlorflurenol applied to the entire plant.