INTERFERENCIA DE PLANTAS DANINHAS NA QUALIDADE DA MELANCIA NOS SISTEMAS DE PLANTIO DIRETO E CONVENCIONAL

Abstract

This work aimed to evaluate strategies for weed management on the quality of watermelon in the subsequent growing melons in no-tillage (NT) and conventional (SPC). The experiment was conducted in split plot in randomized block design with four replications. The plots were evaluated both tillage systems (no tillage and conventional tillage) and sub-plots, nine strategies for weed management (covering with polyethylene film, with weeding at 14 days after transplanting (DAT) at 14 and DAT 28, 14 and 42 DAT, at 14, 28 and 42 DAT, the DAT 28, at 28 and 42 DAT, the DAT 42 and a control without weeding). We evaluated density and weed dry weight at 14, 28 and 42 DAT and at harvest of watermelon (80 DAT). For watermelon, were evaluated for fruit quality characteristics (longitudinal and transverse length, pulp thickness, firmness, pH and soluble solids). The SPD reduced the density and dry mass of weeds, requiring the completion of only one weeding between 28 and 42 DAT, whereas the SPC was necessary to carry out weeding at 14 and 28 DAT. The SPD and the polyethylene film in the conventional tillage system allow the realization a second crop in the area in succession to the melon, reducing weed interference and providing satisfactory results in the quality characteristics of watermelon.