Effects of Molybdenum on Growth and Fruit Quality of Small Fruit Melon (Cucumis Melo L.) Cultivated Under High-Temperature Stress

The study investigated the effects of molybdenum (Mo) on small fruit melon growth and quality under high-temperature stress. Using the melon cultivar 'Japanese Sweet Treasure,' various concentrations of ammonium molybdate were applied. The optimal concentration, 0.1 mg·L–1 Mo, significantly improved plant growth parameters, photosynthetic characteristics, and carbohydrate metabolism. This treatment enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity and increased levels of sucrose, soluble sugars, superoxide dismutase, and peroxidase. Additionally, it resulted in higher vitamin C, soluble proteins, and soluble solids in the fruit, with a 27.9% increase in individual fruit weight and a 20.1% increase in per-plant yield compared to the control. Overall, 0.1 mg·L–1 Mo effectively mitigates high-temperature stress, improving both the quality and yield of melon fruits.