Growth Response of Golden Melon (Cucumis melo L.) Allisha F1 Variety to Different Planting Media Combinations

Abstrak

Golden melon (Cucumis melo L.) is a horticultural commodity with considerable economic potential, yet its production has not reached optimal levels. Improving the composition of the growing medium represents one practical approach to enhance cultivation performance. This study examined the growth response of the Allisha F1 golden melon variety under different growing medium combinations. The experiment took place from January to May 2025 using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with one factor and five replications. Two media formulations were evaluated: medium A (soil, trichocompost, husk charcoal, and goat manure) and medium B (soil, cow manure, dolomite, and NPK fertilizer). Measured parameters included plant height, leaf number, stem diameter, leaf area, flowering time, and flower count. The data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by a 5% Least Significant Difference (LSD) test. The findings showed that the composition of the growing medium significantly affected golden melon growth. Medium B supported stronger early vegetative development, while medium A tended to increase flower production. Accordingly, medium B is recommended to stimulate early vegetative growth, which may positively influence subsequent developmental stages.