Application of Gibberellins in Melon Cultivation Based on Substrate Hydroponic System with Drip Fertigation

Abstract

Gibberellins are a group of plant hormones that play a role in regulating plant growth and development. This study aimed to determine the timing and concentration of gibberellin administration that is most effective in stimulating melon plants' vegetative and generative growth in a substrate hydroponic system using the drip fertigation method. This research was carried out from May to August 2023 in Kragilan Surakarta. This study was conducted using a one-factor Complete Randomized Design (RAL) that has seven levels based on the method of gibberellin application, namely Level 1: G0 without Gibberellin (Control). Level 2: G1 Gibberellin concentration 60 ppm sprayed on days 5, 10, and 15 hst. Level 3: G2 Gibberellin concentration 60 ppm sprayed on day 20,25,30 hst. Level 4: G3 Gibberellin concentration 80 ppm sprayed on day 20,25,30 hst. Level 5: G4 Gibberellin concentration 80 ppm sprayed on day 30,35,40 hst. Level 6: G5 Gibberellin concentration 100 ppm sprayed on day 30,35,40 hst. Level 7: G6 Gibberellin concentration 100 ppm sprayed on day 30,40,50 hst. The results showed that application of gibberellins with concentrations of 100 ppm at 30,40 and 50 days after planting (HST) resulted in significant differences in chlorophyll content of a+b (total) compared to applications of concentrations of 60 ppm, 80 ppm, and 100 ppm at different times. There was a significant difference in sweetness compared to applying GA3 at concentrations of 100 ppm at different times. The application of GA3 did not significantly affect chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, fruit diameter, fruit weight, root weight, and crush weight in melon plants based on Hydroponic systems using drip fertigation.