Study of sowing time and plant spacing effects on biochemical constituents in muskmelon variety Arka Siri

The study investigates the effect of sowing time and plant spacing on the biochemical constituents of muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.) variety Arka Siri. A field experiment was conducted using a Factorial Randomized Block Design (FRBD) with two factors: sowing time (1^st January, 15^th January, 1^st February, 15^th February) and plant spacing (100 cm × 30 cm, 100 cm × 40 cm, 100 cm × 50 cm), each replicated thrice. The biochemical constituents analyzed include Total Soluble Solids (TSS), shelf life, ascorbic acid content, and carotenoid levels. The results revealed significant effect on sowing time and plant spacing on these biochemical parameters. With respect to sowing time D4: 15^th February was found maximum in TSS, ascorbic acid and carotenoids whereas shelf life was maximum in D1: 1^st January. Among, the plant spacing wider plant spacing S3: 100 cm × 50 cm was found maximum on biochemical constituents and shelf life have shown non-significant effect. The combined effect of sowing time and plant spacing have shown non-significant effect on shelf life and carotenoids, it was significantly maximum in the treatment T₁₂: 15^th February, 100 cm × 50 cm. Hence, based on the results we can conclude that T₁₂: 15^th February, 100 cm × 50 cm was best for improved nutritional quality. However, trails should be repeated for few more seasons for precision of the experiment.