The effect of topping and fruit position on the yield and quality of melons (Cucumis melo L.) in a greenhouse

Topping melon plants breaks apical dominance. Fruit positioning is linked to the allocation of photosynthates within the plant. This study aimed to determine the effects of topping and fruit position on melon yield and quality in a greenhouse setting. A Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with two factors was employed: three topping levels (at nodes 19, 21, and 23) and four fruit position levels (nodes 7–9, 10–12, 13–15, and 16–18), with three replications. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and the Least Significant Difference (LSD) test at the 5% level. The results showed a significant interaction between the two treatments regarding the number of female flowers, with a maximum of 4.43 flowers. Topping significantly affected fruit rind thickness—peaking at node 21 (7.87 mm)—and had a highly significant effect on leaf chlorophyll content. Fruit position significantly influenced total soluble solids—highest at nodes 7–9 (13.41 °Brix)—and had a highly significant effect on fruit rind thickness. Fruits at nodes 10–12 yielded higher fruit weight, vitamin C content, and rind thickness, whereas the highest total soluble solids were obtained from fruits at nodes 7–9.