• Journal of Bio-Environment Control
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.74-80
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• 2002

The effect of the foliar application of amino acid mixture on the growth of melon (Cucumis melo L.) seedlings was investigated. The amino acid treatments were initiated at the first (Ll) or second (L2) fully expanded leaf stage. The concentrations of amino acid mixture used were 0,10, 20, and 30 mg . L$^{-1}$ . At Ll stage, the fresh and dry weights of shoot were high in the amino acid treatments. Plant height was the highest in 30 mg . L$^{-1}$ at the third sampling of Ll. At L2 stage, shoot fresh weight was the greatest when the concentration of amino acid mixture was 30 mg.L$^{-1}$ at the third sampling. Plant height was the highest in 30 mg L$^{-1}$ at the second and third samplings. At the third sampling of Ll stage the amino acid mixture affected leaf length and leaf width of the first true leaf. At the third sampling of L2 stage leaf length was not significantly dirtferent between treatments, while leaf width was greater in amino acid treatments. At the second and third samplings of Ll stage the amino acid mixture had effect on leaf length and leaf width of the second true leafs which were not significantly different between treatments at L2 stage. Leaf length and leaf width of the third true leaf were affected by amino acid treatments. In conclusion, when the first true leaf expanded\ulcorner three foliar applications of 20-30 mg . L$^{-1}$ amino acid mixture can stimulate the growth of melon seedlings. If the amino acid mixture is sprayed at the second true leaf stage, two foliar applications of 30 mg . L$^{-1}$ amino acid mixture can improve the growth of melon seedlings.