Aplicação de cálcio e silício para o aumento de resistência da melancia (Citrillus lanatus) á patógenos

Abstract

Watermelon cultivation holds great economic importance but is frequently affected by diseases caused by pathogens. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of foliar application of calcium, silicon, and their combination on disease control, productivity, and fruit quality in watermelon. The experiment was conducted in the field using a randomized block design with four treatments and five replications. Disease incidence, number and weight of fruits, as well as chemical characteristics such as protein, vitamin C, pH, soluble solids, acidity, and moisture were analyzed. The results showed that the treatments with silicon and calcium + silicon reduced the occurrence of foliar diseases and possible viral infections when compared to the control. Regarding productivity, fruits treated with calcium + silicon showed a higher average weight. In the chemical analyses, the treatments did not significantly alter the levels of protein, vitamin C, and pH, but the fruits treated with silicon and calcium + silicon presented higher moisture content. It is concluded that the application of these elements, especially in combination, can contribute to disease management and improvement in fruit quality, being a viable and safe alternative for watermelon cultivation.