Produtividade e qualidade de frutos de melancia em função de doses e fontes de selênio

Abstract

The application of selenium (Se) has shown benefits for both productivity and plant quality. Studies indicate that selenium can improve crop yields by helping plants respond better to stress and promoting increased fruit production. In addition, selenium is involved in the biosynthesis of antioxidant compounds and the increase of soluble solids, which can improve the sweetness and flavor of fruits. However, the effects of selenium vary with the form of application and the dose used. The objective of this study was to evaluate the application of selenium doses and sources on the yield and chemical quality of watermelon fruits. The experiment was conducted under field conditions at the IFPI – Uruçuí Campus. The treatments consisted of the application of four doses of Se (0, 10, 20 and 40 g Se ha-¹) and two sources of Se (selenate and selenite) in the hybrid "Crimson Sweet" of watermelon. At the end of the experiment, the following were evaluated: average fruit mass, total number of fruits per plant, number of commercial fruits per plant, fruit length and diameter, peel thickness, total soluble solids (ºBrix), titratable acidity and soluble solids/titratable acidity ratio. The results showed that the application of selenite at a dose of 22 g ha-1 increased the number of fruits per hectare and the yield, while selenate increased the total soluble solids of the fruits. With regard to fruit length, the dose of 8 g Se ha⁻¹ of selenate promotes an increase in length. Doses greater than 22 g If there is selenite significantly increases the diameter. The selenite source at a dosage of 11 g Se ha-¹ promotes an increase of 20.6 cm in the thickness of the pulp. In general, the application of selenium improved the productivity and quality of watermelon fruits