Two production areas of trickle fertigated melon were grid sampled to assess spatial variability of fruit quality, determining the spatial dependence, and localizing regions where site specific management can improve fruit quality. Goldex hybrid was grown in a Yellow Red Latosol, and orange flesh in a Yellow Red Argisol. Mean fresh mass of marketable fruits (PMCOM), total soluble solids (SST), pulp firmness and pulp thickness were determined. Descriptive statistics was used for an exploratory analysis of data, while geostatistics was used to evaluate spatial dependence of variables and generate contour maps by interpolation techniques. All variables were adjusted to normal distribution, and while PMCOM had medium variability the other variables showed a low variability, which is explained by well-defined selection criteria. Spatial dependence was strong for SST in 'Goldex' and PMCOM in both areas, while the other variables showed a moderate dependence. Contour maps showed regions where fruits exceeded weight standards in 'Goldex' and in 'Orange Flesh' the SST was below standards.
Cucumis melo; spatial variability; total soluble solids; pulp firmness
