EFFECT OF NITROGEN FORMS AND RATES ON CANTALOUPE (Cucumis melo L.) GROWN UNDER TRANSPARENT POLYETHYLENE LOW TUNNELS.

Cantaloupe (cucumis melo L.) was transplanted at a private farm in El- Arish ,North Sinai Governorate during 2003/2004 and 2004/2005 seasons to investigate the effect of forms and rates of nitrogen fertilizers on cantaloupe growth and yield grown in sandy soil using drip irrigation .Split plot design was adopted using 3 forms of nitrogen i.e. ammonium sulphate, Enciabein, ((UFCU) urea formaldehyde coated urea) and ammonium nitrate ( control)in the main plots .In the sub plots nitrogen rates of 80, 120 and 160 units per feddan, of nitrogen forms were applied.
      Obtained results showed the superiority of ammonium sulphate followed by enciabein and ammonium nitrate as far vegetative growth and fruit yield  characters. Using120 units of nitrogen per feddan of ammonium sulphate or 120 units nitrogen per feddan of enciabein (UFCU) increased leaves contents of N, P, k and some micronutrients than the other treatments. In addition, the above mentioned     treatments improved the vegetative growth and fruit physical and chemical characters. Early and total yields were increased under ammonium sulphate at a rate of 120 units of nitrogen per feddan or 120 unit nitrogen of enciabein (UFCU) per feddan. The lowest vegetative growth, fruit and yield characters were obtained from the control (ammonium nitrate at a rate of 160 unit of nitrogen per feddan).