Study on suitable crop-pan coefficients during early florescence for drip-irrigated muskmelon under film mulch in greenhouse

Based on the irrigation interval of 2 days,this study was conducted to evaluate the effects of different plant-pan coefficient(Kcp=0.45,0.60,0.75 and 0.90) on the growth and physiological characteristics of drip-irrigated muskmelon under film mulch in greenhouse.Irrigation quantities were determined by water surface evaporation(Epan) measured by a standard 0.2 m diameter pan.The results showed that:(1) The ground temperature(15 cm) of muskmelon was remarkably influenced by different water treatments.Among them,the treatments of T2 and T3 were more suitable to the growth of muskmelon;(2) The leaf size and development of muskmelon was greatly influenced by different water treatments.Based on the interval of 2 days,keeping the plant-pan coefficient(Kcp) as 0.6 not only were of advantage to the development of leaf,but also obtained the maximal leaf area;(3) Through analyzing plant height,stem diameter/plant height,biomass,root/shoot,leaf water status,leaf photosynthetic index,the results indicated that keeping the plant-pan coefficient(Kcp) as 0.6 was more suitable to the development of drip-irrigated muskmelon under film mulch in greenhouse.Water saving and efficient management was reached in the treatment of T2.