Trocas gasosas, produção e qualidade pós-colheita da melancieira sob déficit hídrico e adubação silicatada.

Abstract

In the semiarid region of Brazil, water scarcity is one of the main limiting factors for agriculture. In this context, the use of technologies that can mitigate the effects of water deficit is essential to expand agricultural activity. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the the gas exchange, production and postharvest quality of watermelon cv. Crimson Sweet under irrigation rates and silicate fertilization in the brazilian semiarid region. The main plots consisted of five irrigation rates (60; 70; 80; 90 and 100% of crop evapotranspiration - ETc), while the subplots were composed of two doses of silicate fertilization (0 and 600 mg L-1 of silicic acid). The application of silicon improved the physiological efficiency of the plants, reducing transpiration and stomatal conductance, while increasing the efficiency of water use and carboxylation. The combination of silicate fertilization with 100% ETc increased the soluble solids content and production per plant. The application of silicon allowed plants irrigated with irrigation rates between 80% and 90% of ETc to maintain a comparable yield compared to those under a rate of 100% of ETc without silicon. This strategy proved to be effective in promoting sustainability in agriculture, especially in contexts of water scarcity.