Plant population density, together
with irrigation management
can influence water and nutrient acquisition
by competing plants and
subsequently predispose fruit on
those plants to cracking. High-fruit
yields associated with high-density
plantings is a trend that growers in
resource-limited regions are adopting
to maximize resources. Melons
grown under such management practices
may be prone to cracking if
uniform water supply is not maintained.
This is most likely to occur
when excessive irrigation or heavy
precipitation precedes a period of
pronounced drought