ISSN: 2578-4994
Authors: Ching Chieh Yang*
Melon pest control relies on over-application of pesticides. Reducing pesticide spraying has become a global issue for environmental sustainability and human health. Therefore, it is important to develop a new growing system that is sustainable and environmentally friendly. This study found that melon seedlings irrigated with ultrafine water containing H2 and O2 (UFW) produced more root hairs, increased branch height, and produced more flowers than the control irrigated with reverse osmosis (RO) water. Surprisingly, we also found that UFW irrigation significantly reduced aphid infestations in melons. Based on cryoscanning electron microscopy (cryo-SEM) observations, UFW treatment enhanced trichome development and prevented aphid infestation. To investigate whether it was H2 or O2 to prevent insect damage, we prepared UF enriched water with H2 (UF+H2) and O2 (UF+O2) alone and irrigated the melons. Cryo-SEM results show that UF+H2 and UF+O2 can increase the density of trichomes in melon leaves and petioles. RT-qPCR showed that UF+H2 significantly increased the gene expression level of the trichome-related gene GLABRA2 (GL2). We grow muskmelons in plastic greenhouses and use ultrafine water-rich hydrogen (UF+H2) and oxygen (UF+O2). The SPAD value, photosynthetic parameters, root weight, fruit weight, and fruit sweetness are all better than those without ultrafine water irrigation of comparison. UFW significantly promoted the development of trichomes, enhanced insect resistance, and improved fruit traits. The system therefore provides useful water management for pest control and sustainable agricultural production.
Keywords: Jasmonate; Melon; Nano-Bubble Water; Insect Damage; Trichomes; Yield
