Stability test and identification of factors causing inconsistency of results and yield quality of melon (Cucumis melo L.) At different planting times and different fruit growth positions in deep flow technique hydroponic systems

Melon plants belong to the cucurbiceae family which is a tribe of gourd plants with plant characteristics such as creeping stems, leaves with long stalks, unisexual flowers, and fibrous roots. The high demand for melon plants in Indonesia has led to a shift in the use of hydroponic systems in green houses to produce a stable quantity and quality of melons throughout the year. The purpose of this study was to find the best planting time period and fruit growing position on the main stem internode that produced the best quantity and quality of melons. The research was conducted with a 2-factor split plot in time design, there were 8 treatment combinations with 4 replications, so there were 32 experimental sample units. The main plot was different planting time (W) consisting of 2 levels, namely: July - October planting period 2024 (W_s) and August - November planting period 2024 (W_d). The second factor is the fruit growinf position on the internode of the main stem until harvest (P) consisting of 4 levels, namely: stem internode 8-10 (P₁), stem internode 11-13 (P₂), stem internode 14-16 (P₃) and  stem internode 17-19 (P₄). The treatment of planting time had a significant effect on the variables of fruit hardness and percentage of edible fruit. The treatment of fruit growth position on the main stem internode significantly affected the variables of fruit diameter, fresh weight, and total soluble solids.