Fruit set and yield of pepino dulce response to nitrate-nitrogen and salinity levels and thinning of side branches and trusses¹

Threepepino dulce (Solanwn muricatum Ait.) selections were fertigated with nitrate-nitrogen at 3, 6, or 12 mmol/L, and 0, 3, or 6 dS/m chloride ions. Plants treated with nitrate-nitrogen at 6 mmol/L bore heavier yields of larger fruit than those at 3 mmol/L. Further increase in nitrate-nitrogen application to 12 mmol/L did not result in yield increase. Salt decreased yield in all cases. Heavy fruit set was recorded in plants trimmed to two main shoots, and thinning to three sets per truss resulted in even fruit distribution between trusses.